Family Policies

"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs. . . . We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Social Policies to Assist and Bless Families and Children

Michael M. Seipel

What government policies are in place to support families?

Governments provide Social Security, health care, and other similar services.

Corporations and employers provide pensions, health insurance, and other benefits.

Churches and non-profit organizations provide spiritual guidance, counseling, food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities.

What stresses do families face? 

Why should we help relieve the stresses on families?

Families are under a great deal of economic stress, from challenges such as the high cost of health insurance, credit card debt, and bankruptcy. Seipel states, "When families are blessed with sufficient resources, they will be able to focus more time and means on developing the individual talents of their children and helping them develop spiritually to achieve their full potential" (p. 301).

How can public policies strengthen needy families?

A. Income Security Policies

1. Living wage law.

Families need to be able to earn enough money to support their families. The current minimum wage of $7.25 an hour has not increased in almost a decade. A full-time employee who earns minimum wage will not earn enough to pass the poverty guideline for a family of three people. More than 140 cities have passed laws for living wages. Studies have shown that the fears associated with the raise of the minimum wage, such as higher operating costs and job eliminations, have not been seen in some of those cities studied.

2. Pension reform.

Pension plans need to be strengthened. "As a cost-saving measure, some employers implemented various forms of 'pension freezes,' others declared bankruptcy, and still others switched traditional benefit plans to defined-contribution plans - more often known as 401(k) plans" (p. 303). Ghilarducci's Guaranteed Retirement Account is an alternative plan that would "be jointly financed by worker and employer contributions of up to 5 percent of the worker's income, and workers will receive a government-guaranteed and inflation-adjusted return on investment" (p. 303).

3. Asset-development policy.
Sherraden states, "that working toward obtaining tangible and intangible assets such as housing, education, real property, jewelry, tools, savings, and bonds will help create real wealth and help safeguard against contingencies" (p. 303).

B. Supportive Tax Structures

1. Earned Income Tax Credit.
This is "one of the most effective anti-poverty tools used to increase income for low-wage workers" (p. 304).

2. Tax reform.
One study showed "that almost all states tax low-to-moderate income earners more than other income groups" (p. 304). Some states even tax families in poverty. Some solutions to unfair taxes include homestead exemption, a circuit-breaker program that prevents tax "overload" and "split roll." Sales taxes for necessities, such as groceries, should be eliminated.

C. Strengthening Social Service Provisions

1. Family and Medical Leave Act.
This allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave with regular benefits for reasons, such as for the birth of a baby or to receive medical care for a serious health condition. The U.S. is one of four countries that does not offer leave for new mothers. Families need support so they don't have to choose between their family or their work.

2. Health insurance.

Health insurance has become increasingly more expensive and more unobtainable, especially for the poor. Seipel suggests "a policy that creates universal health care for all Americans with a simple administrative structure is highly desirable" (p. 306).

Conclusion

Seipel states, "Societal efforts to relieve the economic challenges faced by working poor families have been inadequate. Finding ways to help them into economic self-sufficiency is a desirable goal for the nation and requires policies that promote and reward work" (p. 307).

Personal Application
I looked up policies that support families that I can support by writing my legislator and by voting.

Resource:

Hawkins, A. J., Dollahite, D. C., & Draper, T. (2012). Successful marriages and families: proclamation principles and research perspectives. Provo, UT: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.