COLUMBUS, Ohio — Getting married can be expensive, but one Ohio lawmaker wants couples to get paid for making the commitment.

Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) has proposed the “Invest in Marriage Act."

The bill proposes giving employers tax credits for offering at least a $1,000 bonus to employees who get married.

“We are trying to incentivize marriage here in the state of Ohio,” Rep. Williams said.

This comes as marriage rates are declining nationwide.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, married couples made up 47% of households in 2022, compared to 71% in 1970.

Rep. Williams said the bonus would apply to all marriages.

“Our interest is to look at the studies which show a correlation between family structure and the social and economic outcome for children,” he

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