In the near future, I intend to introduce a bill (known as “Crystal’s Cause”) to require the courts, following a divorce decree, to order both parents to secure gainful employment to provide for the needs of their children. Significantly, my bill will provide that if a parent suffers from an incapacitating intellectual or physical disability that frustrates the parent’s ability to work, the court may not order the parent to find employment.  One of my constituents, who was abused by her ex-husband throughout the course of their marriage, was shockingly ordered by the court to pay child support to her abuser.  Since the issuance of this order, the ex-husband has made no efforts to obtain a job and is seemingly using the child support payments to fund both his and their child’s needs. 
 
When there is a significant change in a parent’s circumstances, like the dissolution of a marriage, it is incumbent upon the parent to promote and protect the child’s best interests by earning an income.  Indeed, with each parent earning an income, both parents will be able to better support themselves without heavily relying on each other, thereby reducing the potential for disagreements or disputes over finances.  Moreover, when children observe both parents working, they learn the value of hard work, dedication, independence, and the importance of long-term financial security. 
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important bill to better protect our constituents.