Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed legislation on Monday to support fatherhood in the Sunshine State. The governor approved the implementation of HB 7065, which invests $70 million to promote responsible fatherhood and support foster children and “at-risk” boys, according to a report from Florida Politics.
This bill is DeSantis’ latest legislative decision in a string of solid and conservative policies that he has pushed in Florida over the last month, ranging from the signing of SB 988 (No Patient Left Alone Act) to SB 1557 (Parental Rights in Education).
“In Florida…the overall mission is lifting people up,” DeSantis commented during a “Strong Fathers, Strong Florida” press conference on Monday morning.
According to House Speaker Chris Sprowls, HB 7065 recognizes the importance of having a strong father figure in a child’s life. It works to empower families to have the support they need to be involved in their children’s lives.
Sprowls stated, “We cannot legislate fatherhood, responsibility or character. But we can direct some state resources to ensure that fathers, father figures and mentors have the support they need to be inspired, equipped and excited about being present and active in their children’s lives.”
HB 7065 will further equip Florida government departments to support families and fathers.
“This bill is tied to $70 million in funding,” Gov. DeSantis stated during the press conference, “to provide a wide array of family and youth support through our Department of Children and Families, as well as our Department of Juvenile Justice. And they will be working very closely to support fatherhood throughout our state.”
Gov. DeSantis’ strong leadership in the Sunshine State has netted him the support of millions of potential conservative voters ahead of his gubernatorial reelection in November. Last week, he raked in a monstrous $100 million for his campaign through donations alone, signaling that the popular conservative leader is on track to serve a second term very soon.