Florida Governor Rick Scott Issues Proclamation in Support of Marriage

Florida Governor Rick Scott Issues Proclamation in Support of Marriage

Encourages citizens, churches, businesses, organizations

and community leaders to strengthen marriage



“We are thrilled to see Florida recognizing the importance of marriage to the men, women and children of our great state,” said John Stemberger, president of Florida Family Council who also serves as Chairman of the statewide Strong Marriages Florida Coalition. “Governor Rick Scott’s National Marriage Week Proclamation is a strong statement about how the governor views marriage and its importance to the economic well being of this state and to its people.”



National Marriage Week USA, which takes place February 7-14, 2011, is part of an international effort that is beginning to gain momentum around the country as more and more people realize how crucial healthy marriages are to society. Florida joins other states as well as other Foreign Countries to recognize and promote marriage as a great social and public good for individuals and communities.

Governor Scott’s proclamation states, in part, “…A healthy, loving marriage deserves our special respect because it provides irreplaceable personal happiness and creates the safest place for children to flourish and to enjoy the full emotional, moral, educational and financial benefits of both parents…”

The benefits of marriage are legion Social science research has repeatedly shown that married moms and dads raising their children together is the best possible environment for children’s safety and positive physical, mental and emotional development. Married men and women appear to be the greatest wealth-producing entity we have. Marriage benefits minorities economically and reduces the likelihood that women and children will experience poverty.



“The Governor’s proclamation sets Florida apart as a national leader in recognition of marriage as a great good for men, women and children,” said John Stemberger, “In our work with churches and communities around Florida, we champion marriage as the one institution within our society that consistently provides men, women and children with a better life. It builds strong communities and churches. And it is at the core of the basic economic unit of the family.”

“As Governor Scott recognizes in his proclamation,” said Stemberger, “the breakdown of marriage takes a great emotional, physical and financial toll on the well-being of the family. There’s no denying that family breakdown takes a great toll on the financial well-being of the state, as well. Florida taxpayers spend 1.9 billion dollars a year on the costs of family fragmentation as a result of divorce and unwed child bearing. That Florida’s governor recognizes the foundational role marriages plays in our society and economy gives us great hope for his agenda to rebuild Florida’s economy.”

To find out more about National Marriage Week visit http://www.nationalmarriageweekusa.org/. Click HERE
http://flfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/SKMBT_C35311020813150.pdf
to read Governor Rick Scott’s National Marriage Week Proclamation.