​Dear Friends,
This morning, our alliance of state organizations is releasing a groundbreaking new ranking of the states. The Family Structure Index measures which states have the most stable and sustainable families, using key statistical data.
The Index analyzes demographic and fertility data to determine which states are best situated to improve the prospects for happy and healthy children and the economic well-being of a state. Utah ranks at the top, and Rhode Island ranks last.
This research was spearheaded by Center for Christian Virtue, which is Family Policy Alliance’s allied organization in Ohio. Our allied organizations in each state are releasing their state’s results — sparking state-specific discussions about policies needed to strengthen marriage and family life, reduce childhood poverty, and promote economic stability.
These findings illustrate the direct connection between strong families and thriving communities across the United States.
The author of the research is the highly acclaimed Dr. Brad Wilcox, Professor of Sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project of the University of Virginia, in partnership with Center for Christian Virtue and The Institute for Family Studies.
In addition to the Index, Wilcox also authored the Ohio-specific report, Hope and a Future, which provides critical insights into how family structure influences poverty, educational outcomes, crime rates, and overall economic health.
Together, our Alliance — FPA and allied state groups — has been leading the way in passing a host of critical policy protections in recent years, including Help Not Harm, Save Girls’ Sports, age verification requirements for porn sites, and more.
Today’s release highlights another way the Alliance is leading — shaping the discussion about the policies that help families thrive.
Thank you for making it all possible with your support!
John Paulton
Vice President, State Alliances
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