House Bill 2581 was a bill that would allow the court to order a parent to pay childcare expenses if the other parent were to go back to school to pursue a certificate or degree. Like many bills that appear good on the surface, a little probing revealed a lack of clarity and major weaknesses and unfairness in this bill. One of the major questions was why a parent should have to pay ANY childcare expenses if he or she - or a family member - were able to provide childcare. Why not make it mandatory that the right of first refusal be given to the other parent in this situation? Other suggestions included providing for 50-50 equal shared parenting, which would give both parents equal time to pursue additional education or job training; allowing the parent with the stable job to be the primary parent during the time the other parent pursued additional education or job training; adopting a shared-income model of child support; and inquiring about whether the Texas Workforce Commission or a college or university provided free childcare. 0:13 - Representative Harold Dutton Introduces the Bill 1:50 - Testimony of Anti-Family Divorce Attorney Lobbyist Steve Bresnen 3:55 - Testimony of Charles Suis 5:00 - Testimony of David Green 7:35 - Testimony of Delilah Crosby 9:20 - Testimony of Jeffrey Morgan 11:50 - Testimony of Brandon Johnson 13:50 - Testimony of Taran Champagne 16:10 - Representative Harold Dutton Closes 16:30 - Question from Committee Member David Cook 17:10 - Representative Harold Dutton Closes ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dldMHjQcbiI

WHY ARE TEXAS FATHERS FIGHTING FOR THEIR CHILDREN? We all know that fathers play such an important role in the lives of their children, as they provide love, support, guidance, and protection. However, in Texas fathers often face challenges that threaten their relationship with their children, such as separation or divorce, custody battles, child support disputes, and other legal issues. In these instances, it is critical for fathers to unite and fight for their children, as their involvement in their children's lives can have profound positive effects on their emotional, cognitive, and social development. Studies have shown that children who have a strong relationship with their father are more likely to have better academic performance, improved self-esteem, greater social competence, and fewer behavioral problems than those who don't. Many fathers believe that the legal system is biased against them. Data from the Texas Office of the Attorney General indicate that their belief is not unjustified, as they lose primary custody of their children and over 88 percent of the time and are looked upon merely as a wallet to pay child support. Texas Family Code 201.107(c) says that “the presiding judges and the Title IV-D agency shall act and are authorized to take any action necessary to maximize the amount of federal funds available under the Title IV-D program,” not what is best for children. The benefits of a strong father-child relationship cannot be overstated, and fathers who prioritize their involvement in their children's lives can positively impact their children in a multitude of ways. 1. Emotional stability: Children who have an involved father are more likely to have a sense of security and emotional stability. This is because fathers provide a different type of nurturing and support than mothers, which can balance out the child's emotional needs. 2. Confidence and self-esteem: A father's involvement and encouragement can help boost a child's confidence and self-esteem. Fathers who are actively involved in their children's lives can help them build a sense of identity and purpose, which can have a positive impact on their mental health. 3. Positive role model: Fathers are important role models for their children, especially boys. Having a father as a positive influence can teach children important values and behaviors that they will carry with them throughout their lives. 4. Academic success: Studies have shown that having a father in a child's life can lead to better academic performance and higher educational attainment. This is because fathers can provide academic support, encouragement, and help foster a love of learning. 5. Physical health: Children who have an involved father are more likely to be physically healthy. This is because fathers can provide guidance and support around healthy habits, such as exercise, healthy eating, and self-care. Fathers who fight to take an active role in their children's lives know that they can create a bond with their children that lasts a lifetime and have a lifelong impact on their children’s well-being and success. It's important for fathers not merely to take an active role in their children's lives and to provide the love, support, and guidance that their children need to thrive, but to stand up and fight against an abusive and exploitative legal system that damages their relationship with their children and may negatively impact their children for life. As a result of the anti-father bias in Texas, are uniting to fight for their parental rights and for the right of their children to have BOTH parents actively involved in their lives. https://www.ntd.com/ntd-good-morning-full-broadcast-aug-15-2_936424.html, starting at approximately 35:30. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCyGYJunVCc