Florida Governor signs law funding pro-fatherhood programs such as Tony Dungy’s ‘All Pro Dad’
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Office of the Governor) — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 7065, which includes educational programs, mentorship programs and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida. The bill is tied to nearly $70 million in funding to provide a wide spectrum of family and youth support through the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
“There are more than 18 million children in our country who live without a father in their home,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This has a severe impact on children, and often leads to dropping out of school, crime and substance abuse. Incredibly, there are those who diminish the importance of fatherhood and the nuclear family – we will not let that happen in our state. I am proud to say we are doing everything we can to support involved fatherhood in Florida.”
“We cannot legislate fatherhood, accountability or character, but we can provide supports for fathers to equip and encourage them to take an active role in the lives of their children,” said House Speaker Chris Sprowls, who first brought attention to the fatherhood crisis during his 2019 designation speech. “By addressing the root cause of so many of the challenges facing our sons and daughters, we will see the positive impact of this legislation send shockwaves for generations to come. To my colleagues in the Florida Legislature who worked so diligently to bring this vision to life and carry it to unanimous passage, including Reps. Altman and Alexander, Chair Burton, Senate President Simpson and the many others who stood on the steps of the Historic Capitol with us, thank you. And to Governor Ron DeSantis, a father himself, thank you for standing with us for Florida’s fathers and families today and signing this first-of-its-kind legislation for any state.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 18 million children – one in four – in the United States who do not have a father in their home. To read more about the fatherhood crisis and the impact it is having on our nation’s children, click here.
Supporting the bill signing were fathers from across the state and several national and community leaders who encourage involved fatherhood, including former NFL head coach Tony Dungy, former NFL professional football player and philanthropist Jack Brewer, and Glen Gilzean, president and CEO of the Urban League of Central Florida.
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