Rhode Island is losing ground on child well-being, according to an annual report released this week.
The state ranked 26th in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count Data Book, a steep drop from the previous year. Other reports show child poverty in Rhode Island rose by more than 3% between 2023 and 2024.
Paige Parks, executive director of Rhode Island Kids Count, said policymakers appear to be taking a serious look at improving the state’s ranking.
Gov. Dan McKee’s proposed budget, as well as the budget approved by the House Finance Committee, includes development of the state’s first permanent, fully refundable child tax credit. McKee’s budget calls for a $325 credit per child under age 19. The General Assembly proposal would create a $650 credit.
Rhode Island did see improvements in children’s health but Parks stressed progress requires a long-term commitment. Like other states, Rhode Island also faces the effects of federal cuts to programs such as SNAP, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Experts said many families are struggling with budgets stretched beyond their limit because of federal changes. Close to 14% of Rhode Islanders are no longer using SNAP since Republicans in Washington, D.C., adopted a tax and policy bill enacting new work requirements.
Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, said cuts tied to programs helping families with hunger and housing can have broad effects.
“It’s not only the well-being of the child, it’s the academic outcomes of the child, it’s the climate in the classroom, it’s just a ripple effect from the child to the family, to the community, and even to the school,” Bossiere outlined.
The latest estimates on SNAP participation declines are from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The center acknowledged because the drop-off occurred before the law’s provisions took effect, other factors could be at play but it noted declines accelerated in many states after the law was signed and expects the trend to continue.
Source: Public News Service
