Texas ranks No. 43 in the nation for child well-being, according to a recently released report from the nonpartisan, nonprofit Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Using public information, the 2018 Kids Count Data Book ranks states in four areas: health, education, economic well-being, as well as family and community.
Texas trailed most states in each of the categories, ranking No. 35 in economic well-being, No. 32 in education, No. 41 in health and No. 47 in family and community conditions.
Rates of child poverty and health insurance in Texas have decreased since 2010, but are still higher than national averages, the report shows.
Some experts are concerned about the possibility that children will be undercounted in the 2020 Census, resulting in cuts to federal funding for programs that help improve quality of life for children.
Census data determines how federal dollars are allocated for child welfare initiatives, including the Children's Health Insurance Program, Medicaid and Head Start.
What factors affect the likelihood of a child not being counted? Is enough being done to improve the well-being of Texas children?
Guests:
- Laura Speer, assistant director for policy reform and advocacy at The Annie E. Casey Foundation and the primary spokesperson for the Kids Count Data Book
- Frances Deviney, chief operating officer for the Center for Public Policy Priorities and former director of its KIDS COUNT project
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982.