Help! Love, MOM

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Much like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day often comes wrapped in clichéd images of men in their role as father: the silent provider, the backyard grill-master and the like.

In reality dads come in dozens of delightful flavors. There’s I Gotchu Dad, Fix It Dad, Build It Dad, Corny Joke Dad, Slay the Monster Under the Bed Dad, Girl Dad, Sports Dad, Dad the Dancer, Social Media Dad, Always Working Dad and my father: A Song for Every Occasion Dad just to name a few.

Fatherhood is nuanced, complex, demanding and joyful for those men who step up and step in to lead, love and forge a legacy.

The question might well be asked who is a dad? Well, of course, the obvious people.

We also include in this definition adoptive fathers, step-fathers, bonus fathers, and foster fathers, big brothers, grandfathers, pastors and coaches, mentors and any man who has consistent, significant emotional, moral, social, or financial responsibility and relationship with kids.

Today’s fathers, whether single, married, working multiple jobs, or managing child care at home, are, increasingly, doing so under growing economic strain.

As we pause to honor and to appreciate Dads’ contributions on this Father’s Day we must ask:

• How are we helping our dads?
• What kind of support are we giving them in return for all they mean to us not only in our families but also in our American society?

This year, in terms of American society, the answer depends in large part on a sweeping piece of legislation moving through Congress.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” recently passed by the House, may make Father’s Day more comfortable for some—and, at the same time much harder for others.

A recent analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reveals that the Republican-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill” would disproportionately benefit high-income households while imposing financial burdens on the poorest Americans.

Here are some considerations that dads, and everyone who loves one, need to know.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a non-partisan government agency, estimates that the bill would add $2.6 trillion to the national debt by 2034.

While it extends tax cuts for the wealthy, it also proposes significant cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP, which many fathers rely on to support their families.

For Wealthy Fathers: A Payday

The bill extends provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including tax cuts for high earners.

According to the CBO, the wealthiest 10% of Americans could see an average annual gain of $12,000.

This means this bill will help affluent fathers to have even more disposable income, potentially adding to their overall wealth.

For Low-Income Fathers: A Shakedown

We know that fathers not only procreate but are tasked by God as providers and protectors in their family and in the community.

However, this bill threatens that critical role in terms of income. The CBO estimates that the poorest 10% of earners could lose about $1,600 annually due to cuts in Medicaid and SNAP.

Therefore, the current policy trajectory exacerbates existing inequalities.

That much money is a bite out of a struggling dad’s pocket making it harder for him to provide for his children and a partner and to view himself with the dignity he inherently possesses.

By contrast, if the Trump White House reconsiders its position and, instead, supports education investments, particularly for marginalized groups, the poverty and low-income cycle for fathers and their families can forever be broken.

Educated individuals including the highly trained in technical skills and the trades, for example, are more likely to secure stable employment, leading to increased tax revenues and reduced reliance on social services.

Rather than implementing cuts that deepen inequality, senators should do what the congressmen failed to do: prioritize investments in education as a means to build a more prosperous and equitable society.

The Middle-Class Squeeze

First, did you know that middle-income can be a wide range of salaries and that specific amounts vary by state?

For example, at the lowest end of the range is $36,000 in Mississippi, contrasted with Massachusetts which is the state at the highest end of the range. The low end of middle income there lands at $66,000.

Fathers in the upper range in their state could see tax relief, but the proposed cuts to essential services like education, infrastructure, and health programs could offset these gains.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes that the bill would cut $3.7 trillion from programs for low- and moderate-income people, which could indirectly adversely affect middle-class families as well.

I recently searched to discover what range my earnings fit into when I was in my twenties. I was shocked to discover that it was in the low end of middle income.

Meanwhile, I thought that I was officially low income.

Back then, I felt desperately poor all the time. Money was tight. It felt like a big win to buy more than my usual for lunch – an off brand cola and a Snicker bar – and, instead, splurge on a whole meal.

My salary went to babysitters, then tuition, clothes for my growing child, and always commutation costs to travel between jobs. I learned to walk places to save money.

A sudden large expense like when my daughter, somehow tore a large portion of the sole of her one pair of sneakers: a devastating kick to my coins.

Dad, do you have similar feelings?

On the other hand, the government helped me by offering an amazing child care credit. My tax preparer alerted me to it. (Zaida for the win! )

Receiving those dollars allowed me to pay off some bills including summer day camp. My daughter enjoyed the experience thoroughly and fondly remembers it today.

Similar tax breaks and warm memories could be lost in the Big Beautiful Bill.

A Call for Balance

As we celebrate Father’s Day, it’s crucial to consider the policies that affect fathers’ ability to provide and care for their families.

While tax relief is important, it should not come at the expense of essential services that support working families. Nor should one income group be leveraged against the other.

Policymakers must strive for a balanced approach that uplifts all fathers, regardless of income.

In the coming weeks, as the Senate reviews the bill, let’s advocate for policies that ensure every father has the resources and support needed to thrive.

Strong, well-resourced fathers benefit us all as they share their joy and parent well.

Happy Father’s Day!

xoxoKimberly