The pursuit of a smaller government necessitates stronger families. President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aims to reduce government size and spending, but simply cutting wasteful programs won't suffice. A crucial aspect of fiscal health involves addressing the reliance of millions of Americans on government assistance programs like housing assistance, food stamps, and government-funded healthcare. This dependence is largely fueled by the decline of marriage and family structure.
The Hope and a Future Report, a collaborative study by the Center for Christian Virtue and the Institute for Family Studies, examines how declining marriage rates, particularly among low-income individuals, contribute to poverty, academic struggles, and violence—factors that often lead to increased government intervention. The report's data reveals a strong correlation between family structure and child poverty. In Youngstown, Ohio, where 68% of children live in homes without a married father, the child poverty rate is 50%. Conversely, in New Albany, Ohio, with 91% of children raised in married homes, the child poverty rate is just 4%. This disparity highlights the link between family breakdown and the need for government services, particularly Medicaid, which caters to low-income children, families, and adults.
State budgets primarily focus on education, healthcare and human services, and law enforcement—essentially, educating, medicating, and incarcerating. Family breakdown significantly impacts all three areas, increasing costs for taxpayers. Children from non-intact families are more prone to school failure, poverty, and antisocial behavior, leading to greater reliance on government resources. The Hope and a Future Report introduces a Family Structure Index ranking states based on family health. A clear connection emerges between strong families and economic prosperity. States with higher rankings on the Family Structure Index often have lower taxes and regulatory policies, suggesting that family stability contributes to economic well-being.
While Elon Musk, leading DOGE, champions celebrating children, he seems to overlook the importance of marriage for children and the nation. To combat child poverty and reduce government dependence, promoting marriage is essential. This not only benefits children but can also contribute to greater government efficiency in the long run.
