Editorial: WISC Editorial Agenda 2012 – Time For Kids – Losing Ground

Slipping in key indicators of well being.

WISC EDITORIAL AGENDA 2012 – TIME FOR KIDS/ LOSING GROUND

07/31/12

Time for Kids is on our editorial agenda for the year – again – because our WISC Children’s Advisory Board reminded us of how important kid’s issues are, especially in a time of economic uncertainty. One of the measures some of the board members use to gauge the health and welfare of kids is the annual Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT Data Book, and this year’s edition is not good for Wisconsin.

It’s not that this isn’t a good place for kids. It is. We’re ranked 15th among the 50 states overall in child well being. But we slipped in 11 of the 16 key indicators, including child poverty, health insurance coverage and racial disparity. Those are disturbing trends and Wisconsin Council on Children and Families executive director Ken Taylor says they need to be reversed if we’re to remain a great state to raise kids. We agree. And remember, unlike other issues, the people at risk can’t effect the change. They’re kids remember? It’s up to us.