Texas gets some bad scores in new report

Texas on the Brink

Marci Gilbert, Feb 16, 11.

In the fifth edition of the “Texas on the Brink” report just out by the Texas Legislative Study Group ranking states on dozens of factors like quality of life, public safety and healthcare, Texas didn’t fare well in many important categories.

State Senator Eliot Shapleigh says:

Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured children in the nation. Texas is dead last in the percentage of residents with their high school diploma and near last in SAT scores. Texas has America’s dirtiest air. If we do not change course, for the first time in our history, the Texas generation of tomorrow will be less prosperous than the generation of today.

Without the courage to invest in the minds of our children and steadfast support for great schools, we face a daunting prospect. Those who value tax cuts over children and budget cuts over college have put Texas at risk in her ability to compete and succeed.

Examples of where Texas fell in the report on various categories:

Quality of Life:
(50th=Lowest, 1st=Highest)
• Income Inequality Between the Rich and the Poor: 9th
• Income Inequality Between the Rich and the Middle Class: 5th
• Median Household Income: 34th
• Home Ownership Rate: 44th
• Homeowner’s Insurance Affordability: 46th
• Auto Insurance Affordability: 24th
• Personal Bankruptcy Filings Rate, Per Capita: 39th
• Percent of Households with Internet Access: 42nd

Health and Well-Being:
• Percent Living Below Federal Poverty Level: 4th
• Percent of Population with Food Insecurity: 2nd
• Average Monthly Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Benefits per Person: 47th
• Prevalence of Obesity in Adults: 16th
• Rate of Death due to Heart Disease: 22nd
• Prevalence of Diagnosed Diabetes: 14th
• Diabetes Death Rate: 16th
• Percent of Population Who Visit the Dentist: 46th

LSG Chair, Rep. Garnet Coleman concluded:

“This is an undoubtedly difficult time for Texas families and a difficult time for our state. It is our job to lead responsibly and to always understand the impact of the public policy decisions we make. Texas On the Brink is designed not to shame Texas, but rather to inspire us to do better. Severe cuts to state services will only make our already dismal standings worse. Texas can do better.”

For the full report, click here.

Source: Texas on the Brink
Texas Tribune