A Blueprint for Renewing Families

The decline in marriage rates and the delay in family-building among young adults is a concerning trend, particularly in a country that has traditionally held family as a cornerstone of societal strength. For a variety of reasons, young people are increasingly wary of marriage and hesitant to start families, which has long-term consequences for society's stability, economic growth, and cultural values. But current research also shows something very interesting: families are voting with their feet.

Recent research indicates that hundreds of thousands of families are actually leaving states with “progressive” family policies, such as larger refundable child tax credits, expansive paid leave programs, and universal school lunches, in favor of states without these policies. Families are moving to red states for better job opportunities, lower taxes, more education opportunities, and for better schools that don’t teach radical philosophies like gender theories. These states offer a more family-friendly environment—one that attracts families looking for a better future for their children.

Meanwhile, in Virginia, there are numerous policy solutions that could help encourage young people to embrace marriage and family, which would incentivize them to put down roots and to help build a thriving Commonwealth.

Working Family Child Tax Credits

A strategically designed family tax credit system combined with a lower tax framework would provide some benefit. Rather than focusing solely on refundable tax credits, policymakers could aim for broader non-refundable family tax relief for all Virginians – one that helps families across all income levels and incentivizes marriage and family growth. This approach rewards families not just for having children but also for the long-term investments they will make in their communities.

Adoption Tax Credits

Another key area where policymakers can help inspire family-building is through adoption. Many young couples are either unable to start a family or are looking to grow their family through adoption but face significant financial barriers. Adopting a child can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000, creating an insurmountable obstacle for many prospective parents. A robust adoption tax credit would ease this burden, allowing more families to consider adoption as a viable path to parenthood.  Encouraging adoption not only addresses the problem of infertility but also offers a loving home to children in need including those in the foster care system.    

Educational Options

One of the key drivers of family migration is the availability of school choice options. Red states have led the way in passing new school choice laws that allow parents to send their children to schools that best meet their needs, whether through education savings accounts, charter schools, home school, or other educational alternatives. This is a crucial factor for young families deciding where to live and raise their children.

Expanding educational freedom can encourage more young couples to marry and have children, knowing they have greater control over their children’s education. School choice not only allows for better educational outcomes but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility in parents.

Homeownership Incentives

Another critical factor in encouraging marriage and family formation is homeownership. Young people often delay getting married and having children because they feel financially unprepared to buy a home. With rising home prices and high student debt, many young adults find it difficult to take that next step into family life.

Policymakers can address this by introducing first-time homebuyer programs targeted at young married couples. These programs could include zoning changes or tax incentives or grants to encourage purchasing a home. Owning a home provides the stability young couples need to start a family, making marriage and children more attainable and less stressful. By making homeownership more accessible, we create an environment where marriage and family life become more attractive.

Conclusion

Families form the backbone of our communities, and it’s essential that we put forward policies that help make family life both desirable and achievable. By focusing on policies that reduce financial barriers and offer greater autonomy in education, housing, and family-building, we can create an environment where marriage and family are not just ideals but achievable goals for young married couples.