OnThePoint commentary by Greg C. Truax airs each week on WHBO AM 1040.
Welcome back to OnThePoint, I’m Greg C. Truax.
Declining birth rates are a major demographic trend with broad economic, social, and political implications. Many developed countries, including the United States, now have fertility rates below the replacement level.
What are the best policy responses to this alarming trend?
Are tax breaks and government subsidies the answer? If so, why haven’t Europe’s generous family benefits reversed the decline? People have children for various reasons, and temporary financial incentives play only a minor role. True support comes from social encouragement and strong family values.
Importantly, a growing economy with rising incomes gives families the confidence to have more children. Balancing work and family life and improved childcare can also encourage family growth.
From the NewsTalk 1040 studios, I’m Greg C. Truax.
Greg C. Truax is president of GCTMediaGroup, a film production studio, online magazine publisher, radio commentator, and creator of written and broadcast opinion commentary.