MADISON, Wis.
The concept of families being an important part of our society is not new. In fact, there is little doubt that families throughout our history have played an irreplaceable role in defining the American way of life. What is new is the recent decline of the American Family and the institution of marriage.Although many of us have had concerns about the trend away from marriage, there has been no empirical evidence that we could cite to demonstrate the negative effects that the decline of the American family has had on our society, until recently. The Institute of American Values last year published a first of its kind comprehensive study of the costs of the broken family in America. Titled The Taxpayers Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing, this study takes an in-depth look at the economic and social costs of the broken family in America. It can be found at http://www.americanvalues.org/html/coff_mediaadvisory.htm
Intact Families use significantly less government resources
In an era where government and taxpayers are pinched to the very last available penny, the Institute for American Values has estimated that broken families cost the United States at least $112 billon per year. They also estimate Wisconsin spends $747 million per year as a result of the broken family. The point is someone has to provide for the children. The question is, will it be the familys responsibility or the government, who provide food, shelter and health care? ...
