Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. marked the
first Father's Day of the 21st Century by introducing legislation aimed
at addressing the negative impact of fatherlessness, and increasing public
awareness of the benefits of stable marriages. "From an early age, my father
taught us that we all had purpose, and that our purpose was part of a much
larger plan," Jackson said. "As a new father, I have an even clearer vision
of the positive impact my father had on my life. I am committed to having
the same impact on my daughter, and children across the United States.
"The nation's children will clearly benefit
with The Responsible Fatherhood Act of 2000. Its benefits include raising
funds for public awareness campaigns and state fatherhood programs, modifies
welfare laws that discourage responsible fatherhood and promotes successfully
moving fathers into family-supporting jobs."
Jackson also said, "There is no question
about our nation's children needing their fathers. Almost 36% of all U.S.
children, about 25 million, do not live with their biological father. Half
of the children who do not live with their father have NEVER set foot in
that man's home. Nearly 40% of children who live in fatherless homes have
not seen their father in a year.
"In Illinois, more than 29% of families
do not have fathers present, the sixth highest rate in the nation. More
than a third of all babies born in Illinois are born out of wedlock, also
the sixth highest rate in the nation.
"Strong families are the building blocks
of strong nations. We cannot remain strong if we continue to stand idly
by and watch men abdicate their responsibilities to their children. From
community leaders to congressional leaders, we must all make sure men understand
that it takes more than making a baby to make a father," Jackson concluded.
The Responsible Fatherhood Act of 2000,
formally introduced June 15th, is the House companion to similar legislation
introduced in the Senate by Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Pete Domenici (R-NM).