I got my hands on information from the new National Annie E. Casey Foundation’s “Kids Count” Data Book which is now out and the differences between Missouri and Illinois are evident.

For instance, the Poverty rate continues to climb for Missouri Children. The statistics show that in 2010, 21% of Missouri’s children lived below the poverty line which is about 22-thousand dollars for a family of 4 and that was an increase of 19% over five years earlier in 2005.

The book also points out that while most states increased the number of children in pre-school, the number in Missouri dropped by 2% with 57% of Missouri children not enrolled in pre-school.

As far as the health information provided, Missouri did make some progress in getting children health insurance. Still 6% of Missouri children are uninsured and Missouri ranked 26th of all 50 states for child well being.

In Illinois, the numbers are better. The report shows that in 2010, 19% of Illinois children were living in poverty compared to 16% in 2005. Illinois also ranked 5th in the nation in the number of children in pre-school.

As far as health coverage is concerned, Illinois children gained under the state’s “Chip” program but recent cuts in Medicare for their parents is not a good indicator that children’s health care will continue to rise in the future.

It is obvious to me that as long as the economy continues to struggle, people and families will continue to lose ground to these battles.

 

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