Many people are interested in adopting children, in providing them a warm and caring home. Yet, for many, the excessive costs involved in adoption sometimes become an obstacle to getting it done.

That’s why a proposal from Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, is a good idea and worthy of the Legislature’s support this spring.

Seifert said he’ll pre-file a bill that would provide a $1,000 tax credit for couples who adopt a child. Adoptions can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 &045; enough to drive most middle-income couples to the point of deep concern if they’re interested.

Seifert’s bill won’t ease all that financial burden, but it is some help.

But it’s not all about parents’ bottom line, Seifert says. It’s also about helping find good homes for kids who may not have them. And, when kids are adopted, it tends to ease the burden on the states social services structure.

It can be costly for out-of-home placement, social worker care, and other state agency involvement that hopefully can be eased when children are adopted.

Seifert also believes his tax-credit will help encourage mothers considering abortion to think about the best positive alternative in allowing the child to live and be adopted by willing and loving parents, he said.

Seifert says his proposal is the kind in which everyone &045; parents, kids, the state &045; all win.

Even the impact on the state’s budget should not be a roadblock. Seifert has crafted a thoughtful and helpful proposal, and it should earn swift legislative approval when lawmakers convene this spring.

&045; Independent (Marshall)