Free Market Foundation
Published: 04-16-08
Texas- Texas taxpayers are dolling out nearly $3 billion each year to cover the costs of family fragmentation says a national and state by state report on the economic costs of family breakdown released today by four renown policy and research groups and principal investigator Ben Scafidi Ph.D. economics professor at Georgia College & State University. Nationally high divorce rates and unmarried childbearing costs taxpayers $112 billion annually.
“This is yet another wake-up call. Protecting marriage and keeping families intact would save Texas taxpayers billions of dollars each year” said Kelly Shackelford President of Free Market Foundation Texas’ leading family policy group.
The report “The Taxpayer Costs for Divorce and Unwed Childbearing” reveals that a shocking 842000 children are living in poverty in unmarried households in Texas. The majority of these 756000 live with an unmarried mother reinforcing the argument that fatherlesness is a growing burden on families and society as a whole. According to “Taxpayer Costs for Divorce…” the Texas Justice System spent over $1.5 billion in 2006.
“It’s a tragedy that year after year thousands of defenseless Texas children live in poverty because of the financial costs of divorce and family breakdown” said Jonathan Saenz Director of Legislative Affairs for Free Market Foundation.
Although the economic impact is tragic the report acknowledges Texas’ leadership in reform highlighting Texas legislators’ 2007 mandate that a minimum of $15 million (1) from the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families block grant be spent on marriage strengthening activities. As the report reflects if even a slight number of marriages benefit from this investment the measure will be cost-effective for Texas taxpayers.
Free Market Foundation was actively involved in helping pass the $15 million mandate for strengthening marriages and will be playing a large role in the Texas legislature’s consideration of continuing reform next session.
CLICK HERE to link to the report.
To set up an interview with Kelly Shackelford or Jonathan Saenz please contact Nicole Hay Director of Media at media@libertylegal.org or 972-423-8889 ext 102.
Free Market Foundation is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to protecting freedoms and strengthening families. For more information visit our website at www.freemarket.org.
