« The Suite Life of Ali al-MarriCome To Boston »
You’re paying it. Other people’s divorces and failure to marry costs you money. Or maybe, your divorce or failure to marry is costing us money. $112 billion a year, according to a study by a coalition of marriage advocacy groups. Washington Times:
The breakdown of marriage in America costs at least $112 billion a year, owing to costs of health care, criminal justice, welfare programs and lost income-tax revenue, according to a study released today.
“This study documents for the first time that divorce and unwed childbearing — besides being bad for children — are also costing taxpayers a ton of money,” says David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values (IAV), one of four sponsors of today’s study.
Even a small improvement in marriage rates — for example, a 1 percent reduction in the rate of “fragmented families” — would save more than $1 billion, Mr. Blankenhorn says.
The $112 billion — which is equivalent to the state budget for New York — stems from “increased taxpayer expenditures” for anti-poverty, criminal justice and education programs, and lower levels of taxes paid by people whose “adult productivity has been negatively affected by increased childhood poverty caused by family fragmentation,” says Benjamin Scafidi, an economics professor at Georgia College & State University and principal investigator of the report.
Every year, for instance, the nation supports single-parent families with about $28 billion in Medicaid and an additional $35 billion in other welfare programs, says the report, “The Taxpayer Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing: First-Ever Estimates for the Nation and All 50 States.”
An additional $9 billion is spent on child-welfare costs.
Single-parent families often struggle with joblessness and involvement in criminal activity, so $23 billion is estimated in lost tax revenues and $19 billion is estimated in maintenance of courts, police, prisons and jails.
The report does not call for a reduction of welfare programs or any other services to support single-parent families.
Instead, it argues that divorce and unwed childbearing are grave public concerns, and the nation would be wise, economically and socially, to invest in strategies that strengthen marriages and families before they break up.
“These numbers represent real people and real suffering,” says Randy Hicks, president of the Georgia Family Council, which co-sponsored the study with IAV, the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy (IMAPP) and Families Northwest.
Americans “fight problems like racism, poverty and domestic violence because we understand that the stakes are high,” says Mr. Hicks. “And while we’ll never eliminate divorce and unwed childbearing entirely, we can certainly be doing more to help marriages and families succeed.”
Sounds like a somewhat partisan study. But it makes a very good point. Throwing billions of dollars at all kinds of social problems without doing anything whatsoever to bolster one of the most stabilizing, healthy and enriching social institutions we have doesn’t make much sense. The decay of marriage is a devastating social problem the usual social handwringers shrug about, being disinterested in marriage unless it is of the gay variety, because they see its collapse only as a byproduct of enhancing individual freedom from responsibility.
OK, that’s not exactly how they’d put it.
Obviously pro-marriage policies alone aren’t going to solve poverty and crime. But undercutting marriage sure hasn’t helped. So what to do. Eliminating divorce, compelling people to stay together doesn’t make much sense. That’s where incentives come in. I have no idea what kind of platform those groups are pushing, and I’m not much interested in perusing wonky advocate websites this morning. Be my guest and report back in comments. Here are my quick ideas. How about a big fat marriage tax deduction? Cohabiting couples only. They have tax deductions for day care. How about a big fat tax credit for the parent who chooses to stay home and raise the kids, while the other goes to work. How about mileage and expense deductions for stay-at-home parents. Low-interest minivan loans. Married couple, one at work, one stay-at-parent, having trouble getting into your own home? Expanded low-interest starter home program, down payment tax credit. Tax credits for your kid’s high performance on standardized tests. Deductions for after-school enrichment activities for the kids … if you drive them there yourself, after they get off the school bus and have their milk and cookies. Deductions for milk and home-baked cookies. Credits and deductions for parents who participate in after-school enrichment programs. Den mothers, Little League coaches, that kind of thing.
There’s some social engineering for you. What could possibly be more important to the domestic welfare of our nation than healthy, happy intact homes? Studies over the past few years say being married and raising your own kids is good for you and good for them, offering various benefits in health, wealth and stability. But the shame of unwed parentage went out the window a long time ago, and marriage has been allowed to be viewed as an inconvenient bind rather than a bond. How about, to counter Hollywood’s frivolous, pandering onslaught of pro-divorce, pro-single-parenting propaganda, a concerted, serious effort to point out the benefits of getting married and raising your kids in the house. In health classes, in public service ads, whatever.
Policies that support and encourage stable families — as opposed to supporting and encouraging instability — are not terribly likely with a Democratic majority, definitely not with a Democratic president. Not with all they have invested in the infrastructure of social engineering and social support. Never mind the philosophies those programs represent.
Here’s an idea. Gay marriage has been shoehorned in via judicial activism, administrative action and piecemeal, half-measure legislation, with no little or no debate about whether we want to fundamentally alter the structure and norms of our society. In my state, we were informed by four judges that the founding fathers who drafted the Massachusetts constitution intended for men to be able to marry men, and women to be able to marry women. No debate, no vote, no appeal. Well, there was an appeal to the Massachusetts Legislature. The Democratic leadership bigfooted the efforts to put the question on the ballot. That’s history now, and it’s becoming a fact in more places in the U.S. and around the world. It’s a free country, where the pursuit of happiness and individual rights and liberties are paramount. So let people marry who they want. We’ll set aside for the moment various troubling questions, such as whether Warren Jeffs and his followers should be allowed to marry whoever/however many they want, for example, or related tangents such as whether the state and society at large should recognize a man’s right to declare himself to be a woman, regardless of the state of his physical alteration, in fact whether the state should subsidize that alteration. All that stuff can be sorted out by activist judges. But if marriage is so important, how about supporting it?
For all the support of marriage as an institution more people should enjoy, the last thing the social engineers want to do is actually provide any support for a healthy society’s most fundamental bulwark. The defense and support of marriage is a marginal cause, supported by partisan rightwing nutjobs. Don’t take my word for it. Here’s the AP:
NEW YORK (AP) — Divorce and out-of-wedlock childbearing cost U.S. taxpayers more than $112 billion a year, according to a study commissioned by four groups advocating more government action to bolster marriages.
Sponsors say the study is the first of its kind and hope it will prompt lawmakers to invest more money in programs aimed at strengthening marriages. Two experts not connected to the study said such programs are of dubious merit and suggested that other investments — notably job creation — would be more effective in aiding all types of needy families.
Not only does the reporter inform you at the outset, before giving the study authors a chance to talk, that he considers this study to be full of it, he proceeds to devote as much space to shooting it down as he does to explaining what the study is about. Sounds fair, but I can assure you, compared to the wire’s usual handling of social studies, a quick press release rewrite and a couple of quotes, this is an unusual amount of reporting effort being applied to discredit this study. The perspective of the reporter is clear. Combating assorted social injustices must remain a high priority, but making stable families is irrelevant and will never be a part of that.
Topics: husbands and wives, moms and dads
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 9:14 am on Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Leave a Reply
Trackback URL
You must be logged in to post a comment.
zoloft long distance running G Postmessage Propecia Smiley Post accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Lipitor Congestion lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Prozac And Men difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Clomid Steroids symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Canine Prednisone Side Effects prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Subaction Showcomments Propecia Optional Watch accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Order Propecia Online lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Penis Growth Pills difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Zoloft Paxil Differences symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Female Version Of Viagra prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor;
U 3312 Viagra Cialis accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short G Postmessage Cialis Subject Online lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Accutane Before After difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Subaction Showcomments Cialis Archive Watch symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Alternatives To Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Adding Prozac To Drinking Water accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Prozac And Percocet lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Propecia Baldness difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone And Mania symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prednisone 10 Mg prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
Subaction Showcomments Cialis Smile Newest accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Side Effectts Of Cipro lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft And Lorazepam difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Diuretic Lasix symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prostatitis And Zithromax prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Medication And Prednisone accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Levitra Vs Viagra lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Generic Lexapro difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Query Lowest Cialis Price Online symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Buying Nolvadex prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa G Postmessage Propecia Subject Remember accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Get Off Prozac lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Cialis Vision difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone 20mg symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prozac Dose Side Effect prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Is Ultracet Addictive accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Nexium Canada lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Nexium Side Effects difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cheapest Cialis symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Prozac Weight Gain prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Cheap Cialis accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Clomid Side Effects lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Treatment Of Ocd With Zoloft difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Levitra Side Effects symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment, What Is Prednisone Used For prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
Accutane And Results accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Mexican Rx Cialis Low Price lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; G Postmessage Propecia Smiley Reply difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Purepac Prednisone symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Cialis Effect On Women prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Accutane Buy Canada Pharmacy lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Herbal Meds Compatible With Clomid difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prozac Suicide Class Action Lawsuit symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prednisone Without Prescription prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Cipro For Uti accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zoloft Dosage lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Cipro Rem Sleep difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Lexapro Weight Gain symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Bad Side Effects Of Prednisone prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Esophageal Achalasia Swallowing Difficulties Nexium accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Prednisone Poison Oak lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Cialis Story difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Nexium Cost symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Cheap Generic Cialis prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Canine Prednisone accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Resting Heart Rate Lipitor lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Manufactor Of Prozac difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone Titration symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prozac And Weight Gain prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Nexium Rebate accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zithromax Cost lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Prednisone For Dogs difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cipro Dose Cat symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Symptoms Of Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Alcohol And Zoloft accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Subaction Showcomments Cialis Thanks Newest lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Drug Interaction Prozac Sulfamethoxazol Trimethoprim difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Simcor Vs Lipitor symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Akathisia Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Prednisone Homeopathic Replacement accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zoloft Negative Side Effects lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Prednisone Homopathic Replacement difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Lasix Online symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Cialis Overnight prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Tadalafil Cialis From India accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Subaction Showcomments Cialis Thanks Watch lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft Generic difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Accutane Long Term Side Effects symptoms of zoloft working!
get a prescription for propecia Zoloft Thin Blood prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Multiple Sclerosis Lipitor Bad Reaction accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Clomid Pdr lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft Akathisias difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cipro Warnings symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Secret Side Effects Of Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Prednisone And Blood Pressure accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! New Drug Cialis lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects;
Subaction Showcomments Propecia Archive Newest difference between lexapro and celexa
prednisone menstrual cycle! Side Effects Of Cialis symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Info Levitra prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Buy Lasix Without Prescription accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Cialis For Order lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Buspar Zoloft difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone Information symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Lipitor Instructions Side Effects accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Cialis Injury Lawyer Ohio lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft Side Effects difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Weaning Off Prednisone symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Prozac Side Affects prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Cialis Faq accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zoloft With Wellbutrin lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Lexapro Withdrawal difference between lexapro and celexa
clomid with triplets Cialis 20mg symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Atavan And Prozac prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Prozac Long Term Use accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Prednisone Tremors lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Accutane Attorneys California difference between lexapro and celexa
clomid with triplets Levitra Medicine symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Lipitor And Muscle Pain prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
How Does Cialis Work accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Stopping Zoloft lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Side Effects Lexapro difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone Dogs Shrink Tumor symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost India Viagra Cialis Vicodin prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
Buy Cialis In The Uk accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Cialis Lawyer Ohio lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Average Dose For Zoloft difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Zoloft Overdose symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Snorting Lexapro prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Buy Clomid Online accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Atlanta Accutane Law Suits lipitor drug cost
April 16th, 2008 at 10:14 am
[...] Jules talks about a divorce penalty and how we are paying for it. He cited this study: The breakdown of marriage in America costs at least $112 billion a year, owing to costs of health care, criminal justice, welfare programs and lost income-tax revenue, according to a study released today. [...]
April 16th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Yes, the report contradicted accepted liberal theology, er, ideology, so it MUST GO DOWN, AND IT MUST GO DOWN HARD.
On the other hand, I actually somewhat agree with the AP editorial, er, article. I’m not a big believer in using taxes for social engineering.
I guess my ideal income tax system would be something like this:
1. How much did you make: $xxxxxxxx
2. Is it over this much?: xxxxxxxx
3. If so, pay (#1 - #2) * xx%
4. Also, we’ve put x% of your money into a cafeteria account for you to use when you get old, or to leave to your heirs if you die.
April 18th, 2008 at 12:57 am
How about an incentive to put off having a child? Basically, as long as a couple is married without children, they can dump money into something like an IRA. If they have kids, they can get it back with some extra percentage or it can go towards, e.g. college. If they never do, it’s just an ordinary IRA, but it’s always there in case she pops.
April 19th, 2008 at 1:04 am
[...] US commentator thinks Government have too much invested in fixing the adverse social consequences of our [...]