First-Ever Estimate of Indiana Taxpayer Cost of Family Fragmentation Nearly $1 Billion

It's time to talk about family fragmentation in a different way.  If you think conservatives are only making moral judgments, try a little data to season the message --- the lack of family structure is costing us dearly.  Worried about your property taxes?  How about the cost to YOU of the divorces occurring up and down your street?

Yesterday the Indiana Family Institute released a national study that shows the impact of family breakdown on Indiana's economy.

Using rigorous academic standards, the first-ever project gives estimates for all fifty states on the costs of divorce and unwed childbearing.  It shows that Hoosier taxpayers pay nearly $1 billion per year in extra costs because of high rates of family fragmentation.  The study was undertaken by a number of national and state-based organizations to quantify these economic costs.  Specifically, for Indiana, the estimate is $839 million per year, or 10.7% of the state’s tax burden.

“This study documents what we all know.  The economic costs of family fragmentation are extremely high and put a strain on all state services, not to mention the untold human suffering,” said Curt Smith, President of the Indiana Family Institute.

The study was presented in the Statehouse to State Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee Chairman Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, who accepted the report from the Family Institute and said he would investigate the research to see how it should inform future public policies.

Kenley also committed himself to introduce legislation the next session of the General Assembly so that hearings would be held on the report.

Comments

[Bob G.]

WOW...that's some SERIOUS $$$!

I'm taking this study to be inclusive of ALL the governmentally-funded "programs" designed to aid "those in need" (that have only gone and given us several generations dysfunctional welfare "families").

Seems to be a lot for these lawmakers to think about NOW.

B.G.

[Craig Ladwig]

This is a great effort. I fear, though, we are getting so near utter ruin that the numbers will start running together.

[Craig Ladwig]

One more thought, the Focus on the Family data and method are excellent. I could not help but remembering, however, a suggestion a school teacher made when another foundation was trying to put together a study of this issue. Her suggestion was a wall of pictures showing children the day before they were told their parents would be divorcing and the day after. She says that most teachers recognize "the look" of divorce to a degree they do not have to ask what is wrong. How much does that "cost."