This is a letter that I received from Senator George
Voinovich. It took him about 3 months to respond but many that I wrote to did
not even bother to write back. Typical of most politicians, he dodged the
issue. Text of the letter is below.
Dear Ray:
Thank you for contacting me regarding child custody laws in
the state of
Like you, I have always been an advocate of protecting and
maintaining the health and well-being of
Over one quarter of the nation's children live in a household where only one parent is present. I believe that both parents play a vital role in child development and care. That a few deadbeat parents overshadow the greater majority when referring to non-custodial parents is a shame. The positive efforts of law-abiding non-custodial parents are often overlooked because of these few.
Research indicates that children raised in single-parent families are more likely to do poorly in school, have emotional and behavioral problems, become teenage parents, and have poverty level incomes, compared to children raised in two-parent families. Nonetheless, the fact remains that a significant percentage of children will be raised in single parent families. In recognition of the negative long term consequences associated with the absence of a father, efforts to promote financial and personal responsibility of non-custodial fathers to their children are receiving more attention.
As you know, under the United States Constitution, Congress
has little direct authority to legislate in the field domestic relations. While
I understand your concerns, these decisions would be made by the Taft
Administration and the General Assembly in
Thank you again for contacting me. As a fellow Ohioan, I genuinely appreciate hearing from you. Please feel free to contact me again concerning this or any other issue that concerns you.
Sincerely,
George V. Voinovich
Untied States Senator
GVV/db
