National Family Leaders Back Senate's Investment in Fatherhood Commission

America's leading voices on family and fatherhood joined Senate President Rob McColley announcing their support for the Senate's multi-million dollar investment in the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood.The Commission champions father involvement to enhance and support the success of Ohio's children by developing and promoting strategies that strengthen families and healthy relationships.

The Senate invested a total of $20 million into the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative as part of the new state operating budget, that will be overseen by the Fatherhood Commission.

Former NFL Viking and Chairman of America First Policy Institute's "Opportunity Now Policy" commended the Senate's investment during a news conference held in the Ohio Statehouse.

"We are living in the midst of a spiritual and cultural crisis," said Jack Brewer. "Over 18 million children in our nation are growing up without fathers in the home. As Malachi 4:6 reminds us, the hearts of the fathers must turn to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers or the land will suffer. This isn't just a family issue, it's a national emergency. I thank the Ohio Senate for being bold leaders in recognizing the fatherlessness crisis and taking action where so many have stayed silent. Restoring fatherhood is the foundation for restoring our nation." 

Senate President Rob McColley is a strong advocate for the program and pushed for the additional investment as part of the Senate's budget plan. "As a father of three, there is no greater role in my life than that of dad," said President McColley. "Stability is critical for children and the family."

Florida has led on many family initiatives, including the Responsible Fatherhood program. The former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives joined the news conference to support more programs that fight a trend of broken homes. "The message is you don't have to be perfect," said Speaker Chris Sprowls. "You have to be there. You've got to be able to reach your kids where they are and you'll make a difference in their lives, and you will change the lives of Ohio's children."

Ohio's Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer highlighted the striking statistics that show a direct link between single parent homes and children living in poverty. The social cost is high. "53% of Ohio's kids are raised in non-intact homes," said Baer. "This cuts across geographic and racial lines all over the state wherever you see homes without married dads, you see child poverty on the rise."

Senator Michele Reynolds serves on the Fatherhood Commission. "The challenge here is we have young boys and young girls who are looking for an identity, looking for somewhere to belong, and we know that identity comes from the father, fathers give us our identity, fathers are the ones who provide, promote, and protect us," said Senator Reynolds. "We have a fatherless generation of boys who become fathers, but then we just expect them to know how to be one."

Former Ohio State Buckeye Team Captain Kamryn Babb understands the importance of strong male role models. His perseverance through injury and commitment as a student athlete was evident during his time on the field as was his faith. "Knowing God as a Father, how can we show the love of our Heavenly Father that is the question we must ask," said Babb. "He painted the family dynamic."

Retired Minnesota Viking, Jack Brewer explained the mission well.

"We are teaching fathers who didn't have a father, how to be a father," said Brewer. "We are training the trainer."

Watch the news conference and see more photos from the Senate's Harding Press Room on Facebook.