The State Cannot Match the Strength of a Family

January 30, 2026

Sen. Bryant Richardson

The first meeting of the Delaware Family Strength Caucus was scheduled for Tuesday in the Senate Hearing Room.  

The purpose of the meeting was to start a discussion on strengthening Delaware families.

Session was cancelled for Tuesday, so the Delaware Family Strength Caucus has been postponed.

On Wednesday of this week a hearing is being held on Senate Bill 215, the Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act. Since this column was written on Tuesday, I will have to wait until next week to report on the outcome of that discussion.

This week I will explain more about the purpose of the Delaware Family Strength Caucus.

A Rasmussen poll conducted in January of 2022 showed that 84% believe a strong family is foundational to a strong America. 

Statistics show that children growing up in homes without a father are up to 20 times more likely to be incarcerated than children raised in a two-parent household.

Imagine the positive impact on society if young men could be inspired to fulfill their roles as the heads of families.  

The goals of the caucus are to research ways to strengthen families, encourage parental involvement, and address barriers that discourage marriage and family formation.

There is a growing body of research that is discovering disincentives to marriage and family stability in tax and safety net policies. 

It is believed that through targeted legislative priorities, progress can be made in reversing the disincentives currently endemic throughout national policy.

A deeper understanding of these disincentives and reforms must be reached to address and correct them.

The Delaware Family Strength Caucus will examine the impact the following polices have on families:

• Delaware tax policies

• Delaware welfare polices

• Delaware education policies 

• Delaware recidivism policies

Why the recidivism policies?

What I feel is important is helping young men and women avoid serving time in prison.

Young men in particular are needed in their families, providing discipline and guidance.

Providing instructions and incentives for young men to take on the responsibilities of a family will give them purpose.

Instead of occupying a jail cell, they will be fulfilling the important role as provider. Their children will benefit and society will benefit.

This is perhaps the most important purpose of the Delaware Family Strength Caucus.

I know we can do better. Having a dialog is tantamount to understanding and taking steps to improving conditions in Delaware.

Legislation does not solve problems created by a culture that is in decline.  We have to work on rebuilding the culture, starting with families and individuals, then our laws will have more meaning and be less necessary at the same time.

411 Legislative Ave, Dover, DE 19901

302-744-4298 Bryant.Richardson@delaware.gov