### Heritage Foundation Advocates for Family-Centric Policies Amid Midterm Elections The Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, has launched a campaign urging the federal government to prioritize the restoration of the American family. This initiative coincides with the onset of the midterm election year, signaling a strategic focus for conservatives on domestic issues. The foundation's proposals aim to reshape U.S. policies to strengthen family structures, reflecting a broader conservative agenda that emphasizes traditional family values [https://www.newstribune.com/news/2026/jan/11/heritage-foundation-calls-on-government-to, https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/01/09/heritage-foundation-marriage]. ### Key Proposals and Structure of the Heritage Foundation's Campaign 1. **Marriage Bootcamp**: A program designed to prepare cohabitating couples for marriage, addressing the increasing trend of couples living together without formalizing their relationships [https://apnews.com/article/heritage-foundation-marriage-families-d8aaa3b47476c3cbb53f35b27e7b23bf]. 2. **Universal Day of Rest**: A proposal to establish a day of rest that builds on existing blue laws, which restrict alcohol sales on certain days, aiming to promote family time and community engagement [https://kstp.com/ap-top-news/heritage-foundation-calls-on-us-to-prioritize-marriage-and-family-in-new-report]. 3. **Discouragement of Online Dating**: The foundation suggests discouraging online dating due to research indicating that couples who meet online are less likely to marry, advocating for more traditional methods of meeting partners [https://apnews.com/article/heritage-foundation-marriage-families-d8aaa3b47476c3cbb53f35b27e7b23bf]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data from the Heritage Foundation's Report - **Marriage Bootcamp**: Aimed at reducing the number of cohabitating couples who do not transition to marriage, potentially addressing rising divorce rates. - **Universal Day of Rest**: This initiative could enhance family cohesion and community ties, as evidenced by historical blue laws that have fostered family-oriented activities [https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/01/09/heritage-foundation-marriage]. - **Online Dating Concerns**: Research cited by the Heritage Foundation indicates that couples who meet online have a lower likelihood of marriage, suggesting a need for alternative dating practices [https://apnews.com/article/heritage-foundation-marriage-families-d8aaa3b47476c3cbb53f35b27e7b23bf]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the Heritage Foundation's Call to Action The Heritage Foundation's push to "save and restore the American family" is a strategic move aimed at influencing policy and public opinion as the midterm elections approach. 1. **Focus on Family Values**: The proposals reflect a commitment to traditional family structures, which may resonate with conservative voters. 2. **Policy Overhaul**: The foundation's Project 2025 serves as a blueprint for significant policy changes that could reshape family-related legislation [https://www.newstribune.com/news/2026/jan/11/heritage-foundation-calls-on-government-to]. 3. **Potential Impact on Elections**: By prioritizing family issues, the Heritage Foundation aims to galvanize conservative support and influence the political landscape in the upcoming elections. In summary, the Heritage Foundation's initiatives underscore a broader conservative strategy to reinforce family values and influence U.S. policy, potentially shaping the political discourse leading into the midterm elections [https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/01/09/heritage-foundation-marriage].