Letter: Gov. Scott should veto alimony bill
Surely everyone agrees that strong families make strong communities and a strong state. That’s why it’s important for Florida law to reflect that the institution of the family is the backbone of our culture. Laws can’t make us do what’s right, but they reflect our values and provide us appropriate guidance.
By creating a formula for judges to use when deciding alimony payments rather than allow them to use their own discretion based on the unique circumstances of the family, SB 688 weakens marriage and families. When divorce is unavoidable, it requires a custom solution and shouldn’t be demoted to a formula that reduces incentives for couples to stay together.
A marriage may dissolve through divorce, but any alimony and custody arrangements must remain family-focused. A child or family-centered approach, in statute and in the courtroom, that takes into account the best interest of the children will produce the most equitable and accepted outcomes.
Gov. Scott should veto Senate Bill 688 and convene a task force to propose policy changes that are more focused on the family. His veto of this bill would send a firm message that Florida law must reflect the value of strong families in our state.
Jim Kallinger, Tallahassee
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