John Washington III Asks Whether Child-Support Enforcement Protects Families or Punishes Them, Saying Americans Deserve Clear Answers After 51 Years
Presidential candidate John Washington III traced the federal child-support program from its start in 1975 through a 1999 incentive structure that rewarded states for collections, and argued that collections alone do not prove fairness or family stability.
"For decades, Americans have been told child-support enforcement protects families," John Washington III wrote. "But history shows some policies punished families for having a man in the home."
John Washington III dated the system he was questioning. "In 1975, the federal program began, and part of its design was reimbursing welfare costs," he wrote. "In 1999, a new incentive structure rewarded states for collections." He acknowledged what the system delivers - "Families receive billions in support" - and then drew his distinction: "but collections alone don't prove fairness or family stability."
"We should ask who benefits, who struggles, and whether the government is held accountable for families' real outcomes, not just totals collected," John Washington III wrote. "Fifty-one years in, Americans deserve clear answers." He signed the statement with his name and his 2028 presidential candidacy.
