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After our latest special legislative session, our state legislators continue to wrestle with how to secure Alaska's future. Many of us see the importance securing this future for Generation Z – those born after 1995. The success of our state relies greatly on the readiness of the future generations to become our next leaders, business owners, educators, parents, employees and entrepreneurs.
This past June, the Anne E. Casey Foundation released its annual national 2016 KIDS COUNT Data Book. The Data Book focuses on key trends in child well-being. It measured child well-being in four domains: (1) economic well-being, (2) education, (3) health and (4) family and community. Across the nation, Generation Z broke records in education and health indicators despite growing up in the midst of the economic downturn. Alaska statistics in the four domains remained the same or slightly improved or worsened. Though the rankings in these categories for Alaska did not improve, Alaska did have fewer high school students not graduating on time and fewer teens abusing drugs and alcohol; also, the teen birth rate fell.
In comparison with other states, Alaska fell six spots from No. 27 in 2008 to No. 33 in 2014. The primary reason behind Alaska's slipping to No. 33 was that other states made greater investments in their kids.
When the majority of the United States was experiencing a major recession from 2008 to 2014, Alaska was experiencing a time of growth and great wealth. Oil was selling at record highs. Our unemployment rate was well below the national average. Our state budgets had surpluses.
Even with this economic strength, our investment in ensuring our children, youths and families live in safe, stable and nurturing environments was low. Because we struggled with investing in prevention and economic supports for families, our overall ranking for child well-being slipped to No. 33.
Other states put forth efforts that have led to systemic change and a positive increase in the overall well-being of children, youths and families. Aided by federal, state and local policies and investments in prevention, a record number of teens nationwide have managed to avoid bad choices that could have derailed their future prospects. Comparing national data between 2008 and 2014, teen birth rates fell 40 percent, drug and alcohol abuse dropped 38 percent and the number of teens graduating on time increased by 28 percent.
These improvements are remarkable given the economic challenges faced by far too many of their families.
Alaska's next generation of teenagers and young adults is coming of age during one of our worst economic climates in nearly 30 years. As Alaska struggles to balance its budget, institute justice reform and overhaul Medicaid, it has a great opportunity to make change that would improve the well-being of children, youths and families. By addressing the disparities among our communities and poverty, Alaska can begin to lay the foundation that promotes the importance of investing in our children, youths and families to ensure our state's future.
Every day, more and more young people are making smarter decisions. Now it is our turn to fulfill our responsibility of providing them with the educational and economic opportunity that youths deserve and ensure the financial security of families. As we enter another election season and will again be faced with finding a solution for our budget crisis, we urge candidates to describe in depth how they will help these determined young people realize their full potential and how they will secure financial stability for families.
We encourage all voters to ask candidates questions about how they will support families and invest in the future generations.
Trevor Storrs is executive director of the Alaska's Children's Trust, the lead statewide agency addressing child abuse and neglect.
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