No doubt, reforms should attack distortions in the tax code and government programs that create barriers or disincentives to family formation. Yet unmarried Americans shouldn’t be made to feel neglected. If they don’t want to be lectured by their family and friends about their marital status, they certainly don’t want to feel as though they’re being condescended to by politicians.

Married couples who are assuming the burdens of having and raising children are making an important contribution to the nation’s future. Their sacrifices should be honored and appreciated by society, and that should be reflected in government policy.

But there has to be a way to push sensible limited-government policy reforms without making unmarried Americans feel left out.