New Report Says It’s Worse Than Ever to Be a Kid in Texas

Texas is headed in the wrong direction when it comes to taking care of our youngest citizens. We've dropped two spots from 41st to 43rd overall (that's out of 50 for those of you who don't remember how many states there are) in a new survey.

The Kids Count Databook from the Annie E. Casey Foundation scores each state in four categories: Economic Well-Being; Education; Health; and Family and Community.

In Economic Well-Being, Texas comes in at no. 33. In Education, we place no. 32. And in Health, we're no. 38.

But it's the fourth category that really drags the Lone Star State down.

We score our lowest at no. 47 in the Family and Community category. This category includes children in single parent families, families where the head of household lacks a high school diploma, children living in high poverty areas and teen births.

This report about how we're failing our kids comes hot on the heels of the news that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is set to cut up to $350 million from programs for kids with disabilities.

It's not a good time to be a kid in Texas, and all signs point to things getting worse. It's time for Texans to suck it up and do better for our kids. If you're not living to make a better world for your kids, then what are you living for?

Texas has the same problem America has and that's a lot of talk about being great without actually investing in being great. This is what we Texans call being all hat and no saddle.

It's time to step up and lead the way. They're our kids; let's put their needs first.

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