Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed HB 7065 on Monday, a measure that includes approximately $70 million in funding to promote involved fatherhood in the Sunshine State. The funding is allotted to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
The bill includes “educational programs, mentorship programs, and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida.”
According to Gov. DeSantis's press release, which uses U.S. Census Bureau data to back up its claims, more than 18 million kids in America are lacking fathers. That is 1 in 4 children across the United States.
“Incredibly, there are those who diminish the importance of fatherhood and the nuclear family - we will not let that happen in our state. I am proud to say we are doing everything we can to support involved fatherhood in Florida,” said DeSantis.
Supporters of the bill include but are not limited to men like former NFL head coach Tony Dungy, who has written a multitude of books on leadership, teamwork, and marriage. “This is going to be tremendous and such a good help to fathers in Florida,” the Super Bowl winning coach stated. “This bill is so important. I want to thank all of the men and women that have been behind this. It is going to allow groups like All Pro Dad and people like those here today to do great things for our fathers here in Florida.”
