It's really not a part of our agenda to get into the child support issues in Washington State, as we are political advocates for Children's rights to equall access to both parents.  However, there is some crossing over of the two subjects.  For instance, it's pretty well documented that the revenue stream from the collection of Child Support brings a financial windfall to Washington State Government, and to have shared custody of children could be a direct conflict with their ability to collect money.  Of course, we believe the protection of families comes before any revenue potential for the State, and believe all citizens agree with that.

However, it's hard not to at least get a bit of a chuckle out of what is going on with the Child Suppor Workgroup (CSWG).  First, its a very charged state of affairs, with the Shared Custody and men's rights groups feeling like the process is tainted in that the State Division of Child Support (DCS) is working hard to ensure they protect their income.  And, there has been plenty of issues presenting themselves to support those accusations.  However, recently the big event to show its ugly head was an outstanding report written by David Spring, a member of the faculty at the University of Washington, a member of the committee appointed by the Governor, a parent that shared custody of his child 50/50, but one that beleives our current tables are not working for the good of Washington's families. 

The report provides a window into how the current child support tables was created, provides well documented evidence that it is artificially high, and overcharging paying parents by as much as 15% to 40% in some cases, and seriously questions the motives and credentials of one the DCS recommended economist on the committee.