© 2024 Texas Public Radio
Real. Reliable. Texas Public Radio.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

2020 Census Could Impact The Well-Being Of Texas Children, Report Finds

Pixabay Public Domain https://bit.ly/2tXMq5q

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: 

"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.

Stay Connected
Kim Johnson is the producer for Texas Public Radio’s live, call-in show The Source. She is a Trinity University alum with bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Spanish, and a Master of Arts Degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.