Happy Father’s Day! Dads, You Have My Support

June 13, 2025

On Sunday, June 15 we will celebrate Father’s Day. The day is marked as a celebration to honor the role fathers play in the family and society.

I wanted to offer my own heartfelt thanks to all the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers and father figures who lead with love, patience and strength. Your steady presence, your sacrifices and your support shape lives in ways that matter deeply.

Statistics point out without shared parenting, children are twice as likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, twice as likely to drop out of school, four times more likely to struggle with emotional or behavioral problems, and seven times more likely to become teen parents. 

Simply put, fathers matter! 

As a fierce advocate of 50/50 shared custody, I continue to work on child custody reform laws. In March I was able to give passionate remarks for important legislation I have introduced in the Commonwealth.  

My bill, House Bill 1499, ensures fairness in custody determinations and protects the rights of children to have equal access to both loving and fit parents. This push is deeply personal for me as I have drawn from my own experiences in family court, fighting for years for equal custody of my children in an unjust system. 

Making it more evident we need reform is the fact courts make money by separating children from their loving and fit parents in the form of Title IV–D funding. Courts receive federal reimbursements based on child support enforcement activity. When I was going through my custody battle, Lycoming County was averaging $1.2 million per year from Title IV-D funds.

Many states have already passed similar legislation and every day I hear from fathers who share their own experiences about the need for reform.

I hear from other fathers, and parents, who support my efforts. Here are just some of the quotes I have heard from them:

“Seeing someone stand up for father’s rights the way you have means more than I can put into words. Despite being an active, loving, and present father, I barely get to see my children now. It's heartbreaking. The saddest part of my life is knowing that I'm missing out on precious time with my kids while they're still young - time I can never get back. They've visitors in my life, and it's devastating."

"I want to personally thank you for championing this critical cause. A loving, fit parent matters."

"As a victim of the court system as a child, then as an adult, it is about time someone fight for 50/50."

"Although I am not a Republican, and currently would never vote again for one, I am extremely impressed with your vision for child custody."

"I hope this bill really changes things and opens people's eyes to the facts that both parents are
needed equally, barring any unfair treatment to the child of course. Thanks for helping the real fathers out there who love that job!"

"While we are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, I felt the need to reach out and thank you for fighting this fight for all Pennsylvanian parents who have suffered due to the unfair, and often cruel whims of the family court system in Pennsylvania. I have been made to feel like the lesser parent simply because I am the father." 

To all those who shared their deeply personal stories with me, thank you! Your courage, honesty and willingness to speak out are helping drive this conversation forward and bring attention to a need for change. 

I share one final story from Whit Nanna. Whit explained to me how 50/50 custody has had a major impact on the lives of his children.

Whit said prior to 50/50 custody he would only see his kids just a few overnights a month at first. With equal custody secured, his children are thriving with the experience of stability and love from two engaged parents which has fostered their emotional well-being and academic success. Additionally, his relationship with his former spouse has become more amicable because 50/50 custody has reduced conflicts. He said, “50/50 custody is model that works. I urge everyone to support House Bill 1499 so more families can experience the incredible impact of shared parenting."

This Father’s Day, I extend my gratitude to every dad who shows up with love, strength and commitment even when the system makes it hard. Your presence matters. Your role matters. Happy Father’s Day!