MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
JEFFERSON CITY - An unusual group of conservative, liberal, male and female legislators argues that the government attack on fathers has gone too far.
Among lawmakers voicing those concerns in voting against a comprehensive child support enforcement bill last week was Rep. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia.
Graham said he voted against the bill because it did not support father's rights.
The state is required to pass the bill or risk losing $60 million in federal funds. The bill includes a provision giving the state the authority to suspend or revoke driver's, professional or recreational license of fathers who fall behind in child support payments.
Graham complained the bill does not support the efforts of fathers to see their children.
"If you are a father and don't get visitation you have to hire an attorney and go into the court system," he said. "They should have as much right to visitation as the mother has to child support. We are strong on one side but not on the other."
Graham said he does not have a problem with the punitive aspects of the bill.
"There is a lot of emphasis in areas I agree with, like making sure fathers pay child support as they should," he said. "We have a responsibility to be tough. We are not being as strong in upholding fathers' visitation rights."
Rep. Tim Green, D-St. Louis, said he believes there is a state bias in favor of the mother.
"All we are focused on are the deadbeat dads who don't have rights," he said. "I want to make sure everyone gets a fair hearing."
Rep. Paula Carter, D-St. Louis, said there should be equal punitive measures placed on fathers and mothers.
"Men and women are both involved in the relationship and they are both responsible for the child," she said. "I know some women who have lied about who is the father of the child.
Carter said she has heard from many constituents who are fathers and the mother uses visitation as a threat.
"They are always able to hold visitation over their head," she said. "I don't see any equity. Men need to support children, but there needs to be a provision in both the federal and state law that protects fathers."
Graham said he has heard from constituents on both sides of the issue and said it is something he feels very strongly about. He said he did not have enough time to study the issue in order to offer amendments to the bill on the floor.
Green said he believes most legislators have personal knowledge of the issue that shaped their vote.
"Everyone had individual ideas on this issue," he said.
Graham voted for the emergency clause that allows the state to receive federal money tied to passing child support enforcement.
"I wasn't going to be the vote that prevented the state from getting $60 million," he said. "I wasn't going to make a $60 million point."