What new Kids Count data reveals about Michigan kids
Michigan children rank in the bottom ten in terms of education but rank high when it comes to being insured, according to a new report.
A recent Kids Count report reveals that Michigan could be doing a better job when it comes to the well-being of children — noting that the state ranks 32nd in that area. But that isn’t to say there haven’t been improvements in the lives of Michigan children.
Federal spending during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced child poverty and assisted their parents. However, it also drove up depression among young ones — likely because they were trapped inside, frequently separated from their friends.
“There’s the severe or direct trauma related to losing a loved one, losing a classmate related to COVID-19, and then there’s being away from school and friends for long periods of time.” — Alex Rossman, external affairs director
Listen: How Michigan kids are doing.
Guest
Alex Rossman is the external affairs director for the Michigan League for Public Policy. He says while there have been set backs in the state, investment in Michigan children has been growing over the last year.
“There’s the severe or direct trauma related to losing a loved one, losing a classmate related to COVID-19,” says Rossman. “And then there’s being away from school and friends for long periods of time.”
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