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Press Releases

MAINE'S INVESTMENT IN KIDS PAYS DIVIDENDS

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: Elinor Goldberg

2005 National KIDS COUNT Report Shows a National Downturn In Child Well Being

While most states have struggled to maintain support for children and families, Maine’s record in sustaining these investments is paying off, according to the latest edition of the national Kids Count Data Book released today.

“Congress is poised to cut back on many important children’s programs, from Head Start to vocational education, while state government in Maine has done its best to provide strong support for our children,” said Elinor Goldberg, president and CEO of the Maine Children’s Alliance.

Maine now ranks first in the nation for lowest infant mortality, according to Kids Count. There were only 4.4 deaths per thousand live births in the state, compared to 7 deaths per thousand nationwide.

It has a similarly good record in preventing teenage pregnancy, ranking 4th in the nation, and its score continues to improve. There were only 25 births per thousand teenage girls in 2002, down from 29 per thousand two years earlier. That is a wide difference from the national rate of 43 per thousand.

Overall, Maine ranks 7th among all states in the well-being of its children, according to national Kids Count. Its continued success contrasts with national indicators, which show a significant deterioration in key measurements, including those involving poverty, low birth-weight babies, and increased infant mortality. Goldberg said that the state's financial support is particularly notable because several hundred million dollars has been cut from current services in each of the last two biennial budgets.


The state is not immune from certain unfavorable national trends. The number of children living in poverty has risen over the past three years, as it has in most states. The number of Maine children in poor families rose from 12 to 13 percent, an 8% increase, while the national rate increased from 17 to 18 percent. Maine has the 13th lowest child poverty rate among the 50 states.

Maine also does well in assisting families with children. The 9,000 children in homes that lack any securely employed adult is 3 percent of all children in homes, in contrast with a national average of 5 percent. Maine families did report above-average work disabilities, however. Some 22,300 children lived in families where the household head reported difficulty working due to a long-term physical, mental, or emotional condition, or 8 percent of households with children, against a national average of 5 percent.

Poverty is strongly linked to problems children face growing up. Most households without a securely employed adult lack meaningful job opportunities, and have great difficulty properly supporting children.

This information about families provides an opportunity to address the problems parents face in finding and keeping secure employment. The essay in the Data Book, ‘Helping Our Most Vulnerable Families Overcome Barriers to Work and Achieve Financial Success’ makes many recommendations aimed at increasing the financial well being of Maine children.

State support remains crucial to success, Goldberg said. “Maine has made a commitment to its children that is enduring and bipartisan, despite recent budget problems” she said. “And our good record in ensuring a healthy start in life is paid for many times over as children become adults.” Research shows that for each $1 invested in quality early childhood care, there are reductions of $12 in public spending.

“We are aware of the difficult tradeoffs states are facing in determining how to balance their budgets,” Goldberg said. “And we’re grateful that Maine continues to make children a high priority. These data prove that wisely investing in children pays off.”

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