April 21, 2016

What is food insecurity? The USDA defines food insecurity as meaning “consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year.” Where is food insecurity greater? South and Southwest 18.4 % of Texans are food insecure.

Texas leads the nation in the number of children who are food insecure % of Texas children are food insecure.

Texas has the highest percentage of residents without health insurance in the nation. More than 25 percent of Texas adults lack health insurance coverage compared with a national average of 15 percent. Best insurance coverage—Massachusetts, Hawaii, & Maine Least coverage—Texas, New Mexico, South Carolina, & Mississippi

Life expectancy in Texas is 78.5 years, ranking Texas 28 th. Hawaii ranks number one while, you guessed it, Mississippi is dead last (and I mean dead). What factors are associated with life expectancy?

No matter how badly Texas performs on health, education, and poverty statistics, there is a good chance that Texas is still better than Mississippi.

Texas has the 39 th highest obesity rate. The lowest rates of obesity are found in Colorado and Massachusetts. The highest rates are in Mississippi and West Virginia.

Some policy analysts believe that the government should adopt policies designed to improve the lives of ordinary Texans. They favor government-sponsored health insurance programs, increased spending for education, and legislation to raise the state minimum wage. In contrast, other policy analysts argue that government programs hurt poor families by damaging the economy and thus limiting job growth.

Why does Texas have strong economic growth while many Texas don’t benefit from the growth?

Cheap immigrant labor helps business but keeps wage rates down for low and semi-skilled workers. However, educating the children of these workers is a challenge to the state’s school system. What goods and services are cheaper in Texas because of low wage rates? Landscaping, agriculture, construction, hospitality, etc.

Texas has been a one party state, so parties don’t compete for votes of poor people. Texas has low taxes on the wealthy, but high taxes on the poor. Education, healthcare, unemployment, and welfare are poorly financed. Insurance rates and electric utility costs are some of the highest in the nation.

The workforce is relatively low skill, at least in the past, and non-union. Future economic growth depends on having an educated workforce. Will Texas invest in education?

Because of the white primary and the poll tax. Texas still has low voter turnout, especially among low-income and Latino Texans.

Education dollars stretched too thin and the quality of schools was hurt.

Thank God for... A) Texas B) South Carolina C) Louisiana D) Mississippi The answer is D.

 How does Texas compare with other states in terms of food insecurity, health insurance coverage, and life expectancy?  What is the policy debate over the role of the state to address income inequality and the other issues discussed in this lecture?  What factors explain a state with strong economic growth accompanied by widespread poverty?