Legislation to Encourage Stronger Fathers is Perfect

Fatherhood matters. Almost more than anything else — and I’m thankful leaders like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis aren’t afraid to say it. DeSantis recently signed “groundbreaking” legislation that includes educational programs, mentorship programs and one-on-one support to help bolster and encourage stronger fathers in Florida.

We need legislation like this across the country. Studies show that high school drop-out rates, teenage pregnancies, and criminal records increase exponentially when a father is not present in the home. Things like suicide, economic success and happy relationships as adults are also effected.

The truth is that the most important social program we can implement across America is one that keeps fathers in the home, that ensures parents marry and stay that way, that puts the needs of children first. When you look at statistics, what you’ll find is that children that come from stable, married households thrive and flourish far above every other demographic of people.

I’m thankful to DeSantis and organizations like the Fatherhood Initiative that exist to help make this happen. In a culture that devalues marriage, fathers and even encourages fatherlessness through surrogacy and more, these statistics must be publicized. I hope to see more states follow Florida’s lead.