BILL NUMBER: SCR 112	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Runner
   (Coauthors: Senators Aanestad, Correa, Cox, Emmerson, Harman, and
Strickland)
   (Coauthor: Assembly Member Knight)

                        JUNE 15, 2010

   Relative to Father's Day.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 112, as introduced, Runner. Father's Day.
   This measure would observe June 20, 2010, as Father's Day and
recognize the contribution of fathers. This measure would also urge
men to embrace the responsibilities of fathering a child and
encourage parents to strengthen their relationship by attending and
participating in marriage and relationship education classes. The
measure would state the intent of the Legislature to explore ways to
increase access to and participation in marriage and relationship
education programs.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Fatherhood provides unique and lasting joys. Cradling a
baby in his arms, a father experiences the miracle of life and an
unbreakable bond. Fathers imagine a world of possibilities awaiting
their children and contemplate the privilege of helping them reach
their goals. As kids grow and mature, they look to their father for a
special kind of love and support; and
   WHEREAS, In a large survey conducted in 2008, 95 percent of
Californians agreed that fathers and mothers were equally important
in influencing the healthy development of children, that more than
five times as many of those whose parents were not married viewed
their fathers as uninvolved in their upbringing, and 84 percent of
Californians polled agreed that, all things being equal, it is better
for a child to be raised in a household with a father; and
   WHEREAS, There is a positive correlation between marital quality
and the quality of the father-child relationship; and
   WHEREAS, Marriage and relationship education classes have been
found in hundreds of research studies to help couples learn skills
that reduce strife, improve communication, increase parenting skills,
and increase marital and family stability; and
   WHEREAS, An analysis of more than 100 research studies concluded
that a nurturing father's love is profoundly important in a child's
psychological adjustment, conduct, cognitive and academic
performance, mental health, and resistance to substance abuse; and
   WHEREAS, As children encounter new and challenging experiences,
they need guidance and counsel. Fathers help their children make the
right choices by serving as strong role models. Honest and
hard-working fathers are an irreplaceable influence upon their
children; and
   WHEREAS, Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly
more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, and
exhibit empathy and positive social behaviors as compared to children
who have uninvolved fathers. Committed and responsible fathering
during infancy and early childhood contributes to emotional security,
intellectual curiosity, and strong academic skills; and
   WHEREAS, Fathers have an obligation to help rear the children they
bring into the world. Fathers must help instill in their kids the
values that will sustain them for a lifetime. Unfortunately, the
absence of the father from the family has risen greatly in the last
four decades, with 34 percent of American children currently living
without their biological fathers, substantially burdening both the
federal and state budgets, thereby costing California taxpayers
approximately $12,000,000,000 annually for social services associated
with family breakdowns; and
   WHEREAS, On Father's Day, we pay tribute to the loving and caring
fathers who are strengthening their families and our country. We also
honor those surrogate fathers who raise, mentor, or care for someone
else's child. Thousands of young children benefit from the influence
of great men, and we acknowledge their willingness to give and
continue giving. We also express special gratitude to fathers who
serve in the United States Armed Forces for the sacrifices they and
their families make every day; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the California Legislature hereby observes
Father's Day this June 20, 2010, and calls upon Californians to
recognize the contributions of millions of fathers who are serving as
admirable role models and caring parents of their children; and be
it further
   Resolved, That the California Legislature urges men to embrace the
responsibilities that fathering a child requires, especially in the
encouragement of moral and academic development through active
involvement in the rearing and development of their children,
including the devotion of time, energy, and resources; and be it
further
   Resolved, That the California Legislature encourages parents to
strengthen their relationship with each other by attending and
participating in marriage and relationship education classes; and be
it further
   Resolved, That the California Legislature intends to explore ways
to increase access to and participation in marriage and relationship
education programs; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.