2026 House Resolution 326

Whereas, The nuclear family, consisting of one husband, one wife, and any biological, adopted, or fostered children is the foundational building block of a strong, stable, and prosperous society, serving as the primary institution for nurturing children, instilling values, and fostering civic responsibility; and

Whereas, In 2019, studies showed that U.S. children were more likely than children anywhere else in the world to live in single-parent households and nearly a quarter of U.S. children under the age of eighteen live with one parent and no other adults; and (PEW Research, 2019)

Whereas, Declining marriage rates, family instability, and a rise in births outside of marriage have contributed to significant challenges for children and communities across the state; and (PEW Research, 2019)

Whereas, Decades of social science research consistently demonstrates that children raised in a nuclear family experience positive long-term outcomes, including economic mobility, emotional well-being, and higher educational attainment; and

Whereas, Fatherless families are four times more likely to live in poverty compared to married couple families; and

Whereas, Children without fathers are ten times more likely to abuse chemical substances, and are more likely to have mental health and behavioral issues; and

Whereas, Fatherless youth are twenty times more likely to be incarcerated and eighty-five percent of youth in prison come from fatherless homes; and

Whereas, Seventy-one percent of high school dropouts are from fatherless homes; and

Whereas, The parents within a nuclear family provide complementary roles in caregiving, mentorship, and support, creating a secure environment that prepares the next generation to become productive and engaged citizens; and

Whereas, The challenges of modern life place unique pressures on contemporary households, making it vital to take the time to encourage, celebrate, and support the structures that provide children with maximum stability; and

Whereas, Nuclear Family Month provides an opportunity for communities, religious institutions, schools, and citizens throughout the state to reflect on ways to strengthen marital bonds, support parents, and promote the well-being of children; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 2026 as Nuclear Family Month in the state of Michigan.