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JD, Usha Vance visit Greenland as Trump administration eyes territory; Maine nurses, medical workers call for improved staffing ratios; Court orders WA to rewrite CAFO dairy operation permit regulations; MS aims to expand Fresh Start Act to cut recidivism.

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The Dept. of Health and Human Services prepares to cut 10,000 more jobs. Election officials are unsure if a Trump executive order will be enacted, and Republicans in Congress say they aim to cut NPR and PBS funding.

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Rural folks face significant clean air and water risks due to EPA cutbacks, a group of policymakers is working to expand rural health care via mobile clinics, and a new study maps Montana's news landscape.

Report: Alaska Children Struggle in Key Areas

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Wednesday, June 14, 2023   

Alaska's children face challenges in a number of areas, according to a new report.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual Kids Count Data Book ranks the state 38th overall. The ranking is based on four indicators: economic well-being, education, health and family and community.

Trevor Storrs, president and CEO of the Alaska Children's Trust, said like the rest of the country, child care affordability is a big issue in the state.

"Families are having to talk about child care before they even talk about, 'Are we ready to get pregnant and have a child?'" Storrs observed. "That has put a great strain on not just families but communities as a whole."

Alaska ranks 46th in the report's economic indicator and 48th in education. However, Storrs pointed out the state is moving in the right direction in some areas. For instance, teen pregnancy is down.

Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, said the U.S. needs a functional child care system.

"The country has never had a child care system that is affordable and accessible to families and also pays a family-sustaining wage to workers," Boissiere contended. "It's imperative that we invest in a child care system that can work not only for kids and families, but also for our businesses and the economy."

Boissiere noted one bright spot in the report is child poverty rates actually improved during the pandemic. She added it is likely due to family-supporting policies, such as the expansion of the Child Tax Credit.

Disclosure: The Annie E. Casey Foundation contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, Education, Juvenile Justice, and Welfare Reform. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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