9/11 Relationship effects/MN legislation participation -9/03

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wonder: 9/11 Relationship effects/MN legislation participation - 9/03

from: Smart Marriages



MINNESOTA MARRIAGE EDUCATION LEGISLATION PARTICIPATION:
Diane,

Here's a brief summary by Senator Dille's assistant about the experience in
the first year of Minnesota's premarital bill.  The results were better than
anticipated, especially given the limited publicity.

Bill Doherty
- - - - - - - -

Minnesota Premarital Education Law:
Higher Than Expected Rates of Participation

Steve Dille, Minnesota State Senator

On July 1, 2001 a new Minnesota law went into effect that provides for a
reduction in the marriage license fee from $70 to $20 if the couple
participates in 12 hours of pre-marriage education that includes a
pre-marriage inventory and the teaching of conflict management and
communication skills.  We conducted a survey of how many couples took
advantage of the new law during first year.

With 45 counties reporting, 24% of the licenses applied for were at the
reduced fee.  The fiscal note on the original bill predicted that the rate
would be 5% the first year and 10% the second year.

Rates varied across counties, with the strongest predictor apparently being
the amount of publicity.  For example, in Meeker County (Sen. Dille¹s home
county), the rate was 45%.  In Anoka County, where the recorded message
couples receive when they call to inquire about getting a marriage license
does not even mention the reduced fee, the percentage was 19%.

The attitude of the County Recorder also appeared to be a factor.  Some
indicated that they were not in support of the idea itself, while others
were enthusiastic.  Some felt that it was just more work to do, while others
indicated that they had made signs and forms to encourage participation.

We wished we had included in the bill a requirement for counties to do an
annual report of rates of participation in the discount.  But overall, we
were quite pleased with the participation rates in the first year.

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9/11 RELATIONSHIP EFFECTS:

Wednesday, September 04, 2002

NEW YORK, Sep 4, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A new study released by The
Equality in Marriage Institute shows that the events and aftermath of
September 11, 2001, have not had a significant impact on individual's
romantic relationships a year later. Sixty-two percent of those polled feel
that their relationship with their significant other has remained the same.
Institute spokesperson's hope Americans will make a resolution on the
anniversary 9-11 to focus on the important relationships in their lives.

After 9-11 there were many stories written about the role the attacks had on
making Americans refocus on family and loved ones. The Institute saw this
trend in the hits to its Web site. Portions of the site dealing with
building and maintaining relationships increased significantly while those
sections on divorce saw traffic that was status quo. But a year later, only
sixteen percent of those polled felt their relationship had grown stronger
since September 11th. Three percent felt their relationship had been
strained. Fifteen percent were not attached and two percent said their
relationship had ended over the last year.

"Through our work, we see that major disasters on the national landscape
tend to make people look at the important relationships in their lives and,
if need be, consider efforts to improve those situations," says Ellen Sabin,
Executive Director of The Institute. "Our mission is to give them the
resources and support to take that idea and execute it in their own lives.
It is disappointing to see that some of the momentum and focus built around
partnerships and families last year has dwindled, but we hope, on the
anniversary of 9-11, everyone will take time to appreciate the family and
loved ones around them."

The Institute provides a comprehensive Web site
(http://www.equalityinmarriage.org) and a call center (212 489-5590) to help
give individuals information, resources and support in building and
maintaining healthy, balanced partnerships.

The survey was implemented earlier this month to a national probability
sample of 10028 adults 18 years of age and older, living in private
households in the continental United States.

The Equality in Marriage Institute was founded in 1998 by Lorna Wendt after
her public divorce and fight for equality put her in the national spotlight.
Through thousands of phone calls and letters, Lorna found that, like her,
many individuals moved under the assumption that theirs was a fair, balanced
partnership. Dedicated to helping other couples avoid her pitfalls, Lorna
started the Institute to provide support, information and resources, for
women and men in all stages of marriage.

CONTACT: Courtney Knowles for The Equality in Marriage Institute,
212-489-5590

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