1. CPPP. org Jennifer Lee, Research Associate, Center for Public Policy Priorities April 23, 2015

3. Texas is ranked the 43 rd best state to be a kid.

4. To be the #1 state for KIDS!

5. c

6. Health

7. 27% of Texas kids (1.9 million) live in food-insecure households.

11. CACFP helps feed nearly 200,000 kids in more than 14,000 child care sites throughout Texas.

13. Texas is ranked 49 th for children with health insurance.

14. Child uninsured rates have decreased in Texas

15. “Welcome Mat” effect: Insure more parents, Insure more kids

16. Family of 4 making $24,500 (101% of the poverty line) No Medicaid for parents Access to subsidies Monthly Premium = $43 (2.2% of income) Kids covered through Medicaid

17. Family of 4 making $23,500 (96% of the poverty line) No Medicaid for parents No access to subsidies Monthly Premium = $440 (21.6% of income) Kids covered through Medicaid

18. Don’t insure more parents, Insure fewer kids NOT

19. women of childbearing age in Texas does not have health insurance.

20. babies in TX are born to women who receive late or no prenatal care, increasing the likelihood of health problems.

21. Close the Coverage Gap and expand health insurance options for families!

22. Child Poverty and Family Economic Security

23. Truth: 1 in 4 Texas kids lives in poverty.

24. Child poverty is pervasive throughout Texas

25. Texas Bexar Dallas Tarrant Travis 25% 24% 30% 22% 21% Child poverty differs by region

26. Texas has low parental unemployment rates and high child poverty rates

28. Why should I care?

29. Representing 90% of kids in Texas living apart from their parents in Texas live in informal or voluntary kinship care 253,000 kids TRUTH:

30. $93 $1,000 Monthly cash assistance One-time payment to grandparents 11,000 kids 648 families Available assistance is low and not accessible to caregivers

31. Provide more support for informal kinship caregivers.

32. Change the state law that prohibits Texas cities from setting their own minimum wage. Raise the minimum wage!

33. Make Texas THE BEST state for kids… and their hardworking families!

34. Education

35. TRUTH: “Texas’ future depends heavily on whether it meets the constitutional obligation to provide a general diffusion of knowledge… - Former Judge John Dietz, School Finance Case, District Court Ruling, August 28, 2014 Unfortunately, in recent years, Texas has defaulted on its constitutional promise.”

36. Why are Pre-K & early childhood so important?

37. Every dollar invested in Pre-K saves Texas a minimum of $3.50

38. “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” - Frederick Douglass

39. 2 out of 10

40. Improve Pre-K quality standards and expand Pre-K to a full day for eligible kids.

42. Could be better.

43. To be the #1 state for KIDS!

45. Look Out for KIDS COUNT Data Center Webinar in April!

46. Center for Public Policy Priorities We believe in a Texas that offers everyone the chance to compete and succeed in life. We envision a Texas where everyone is healthy, well-educated, and financially secure. @CPPP_TX

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