Permanent families are the cornerstone of a healthy society, and necessary to the preservation of a civil, ordered society, the health and well-being of children and adults, and the financial stability of the state. 

To that end, the 80th Legislature enacted two of the primary recommendations of the Families First Phase II Task Force from 2005 and 2006. 

With House Bill 2683, the Legislature appropriated one percent of TANF monies to help ensure that couples in poverty have the opportunity to form healthy marriages.  House Bill 2685 creates an incentive for marrying couples to undergo premarital education that prepares them with conflict resolution skills. 

However, much more remains to be done.

Governments cannot force couples and children to live in healthy and loving environments.  Government can, however, create incentives to form healthy marriages and encourage family formation.  Government can discourage divorce and dependency on taxpayer handouts.  Similarly, the can remove disincentives to connecting those in need with private social service organizations.

For more information, please see the final report of the Families First Phase II Task Force: “Saving Money, Saving Families”.