Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Nebraska a great state for kids

The Annie E. Casey Foundation National Kids Count Data Book was released yesterday, and it shows more children live in poverty now than in 2005.

Chrissy Tonkinson, Research Coordinator for Voices for Children says the national data book compiles information on 16 indicators from every state in the country. 

Tonkinson says the book gives us a ranking as to where Nebraska stands in terms of  child well-being. 

She says the state ranks 10th overall, which is down two spots from last year.  Even so, Tonkinson says Nebraska is still a great place for a child.

"Our ranking improved in education, as well as all the indicators in the education section, like children attending preschool, 4th grade reading proficiency, 8th grade math and high school graduation rates.  Every piece of the health section improved so we are moving along with health.  There are just some states that are doing better than us.”

Tonkinson says the area Voices for Children is most concerned about is economic well-being. She says there are more children whose parents lack secure employment and more teens who are not in school and not working. 

She says they wanted to make sure all children and families have every opportunity possible to have their needs met.