Financial incentives to get married and stay that way.
Families First is the motto of State Representative Don Pridemore (R-Hartford). He says a lot of stress is put on society due to the decline of the American Family and the institution of marriage.
The Hartford Republican is drafting legislation to encourage family life, to reduce the reliance on government programs.
"Legislation that we hope will encourage marriage, encourage people to look at themselves before they get married to make sure they're ready for it. Once people are married hopefully convince them to stay married and create some financial incentives for them to do that."
Pridemore proposes a tax cut for low-income married families, a tax credit for married couples who attend a pre-marital counseling class, and he wants couples to wait longer and think real hard before getting a divorce.
"Another proposal would be to extend the waiting period for divorce because we think that the longer a couple has to reconcile their differences the better chance to keep that marriage intact, especially when there are kids involved."
Speaking of kids, Pridemore also believes it's important for children of divorced parents to retain a meaningful relationship with both parents.
NOTE: The Institute for American Values estimates that broken families cost the United States at least $112 billion per year in federal, state, and local taxes.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:17 MP3)
