For Immediate Release
(202) 224-5653
ROCKEFELLER, CORNYN, KOHL AND SNOWE INTRODUCE CHILD SUPPORT PROTECTION ACT 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Jay Rockefeller along with colleagues Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), have introduced the Child Support Protection Act of 2011. This bill will permanently restore full funding for the Child Support Enforcement Program and continue its innovative incentive program that rewards efficient, results-oriented child support enforcement efforts.
"Child support enforcement is a proven way to take care of our children while also stimulating local economies," said Rockefeller. "The important program help parents provide long term support for their children, but isn't just about collecting payments. The program includes a network of 60,000 dedicated staff serving 17 million children across this country – and 120,000 in West Virginia. It is imperative that we fund the Child Support Enforcement Program so that during this time of great need we don't abandon the families and children who rely on this consistent support to provide the most basic of needs for their children."
"Child support is not only about a parent providing financial support for their child, but works to keep parents involved in the lives of their children," Kohl said. "Family is central to a child's life and this funding will help states work with both parents to make sure child support obligations are met, and more importantly, to keep a link between the child and their parents."
"Single parents should not have to worry about receiving the child support owed them to provide for their children," Senator Snowe said. "The fact is that child support collection programs are tremendously effective, and they are absolutely essential to many parents struggling to make ends meet."
Child Support Enforcement supports nearly a fourth of the nation's children – 17 million children, and it provided $24.4 billion in 2009 to children. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports that receipt of child support reduces child poverty by nearly 25%. The Urban Institute estimates that $4 in child support expenditures reduces spending in other public programs by $5. The program is notable for collecting $4.78 in private funds from noncustodial parents for each dollar of public expenditure.
Background on bill:
The bill will –
- permanently restore full funding for the Child Support Enforcement Program.
- give states the authority to use earned performance incentives to fund important work – including investments in technology to upgrade services, staff and program operations, and enhanced customer service.