Press Release: Arizona Sees Urgent Need for Child Well-Being Improvements
Arizona ranks 42nd in child well-being in the latest Kids Count Data Book, highlighting critical issues in health, education, and family stability. The report reveals that Arizona has the second-highest rate of uninsured children nationally, with over 542,000 kids in single-parent households facing economic hurdles. "The average salary for single mothers is only $41,000, making it challenging to cover basic needs," noted January Contreras, executive director of the Children’s Action Alliance.
Housing costs are a significant concern, with over 450,000 children living in homes where at least 30% of income goes to housing expenses. Contreras warned that vital support services, such as KidsCare and SNAP, may see funding cuts due to budget debates in Congress.
On a positive note, Arizona has experienced a 4% reduction in child poverty and a 3% drop in parents lacking stable employment. Education remains a challenge, with alarming numbers of children not attending preschool and increasing instances of fourth graders struggling with reading and eighth graders with math.
Leslie Boissiere of the Annie E. Casey Foundation emphasized the urgency for investments in education and community resources, stressing that investing in children today is essential for a thriving future workforce.
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