AL Political Reporter: “The Anne E, Casey Foundation released its annual Kids Count databook Monday and Alabama remains in the bottom five states for child wellbeing.
In the state rankings, Alabama moved up from 47th to 46th, ahead of Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Nevada. The ranking is based on 16 key indicators that span from education to healthcare.
“It is disappointing to see the well-being of Alabama’s children continue to lag behind other states despite the state making critical gains for our children,” said Rhonda Mann, interim executive director for VOICES for Alabama’s Children’s. “We know it is easier to focus on rankings. However, regardless if we jumped ahead one or two spots, or fell backwards, it’s more important to ask why children in our state are faring this way, and what it will take to improve their well-being. Behind every number in this report is a child.”
In comparison to other states, Alabama had the lowest rate of high school students not graduating on time, and also performed well with only 3 percent of children without health insurance.”