Vote to preserve Alaska’s greatest resource — our children

It is an understatement to say the 2020 general election is one of the most important in our lifetimes — and for future generations. From many perspectives, this election will shape the course of our state and nation. Alaska, much like the rest of the country, is at a critical crossroads right now. The economic and social landscape we are operating in is uniquely challenging for children and families in the wake of COVID-19 — especially when we as a state were already struggling economically. It is often said that children are our future and our greatest resource. Children represent 25% of Alaska’s population and 100% of our future. Yet they have no voice when it comes to the many decisions our elected officials make every day.

Approximately 1 in 3 Alaskans living in poverty are children. Alaska has the second highest rate of uninsured children. More than 3,200 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect occurred here in 2019. The number of children without health insurance, 9.4%, is nearly double the national average, 5.2%. Only 25% of fourth graders score at or above proficient in reading and nearly 30% of eighth graders score at or above proficient in math. Nearly 15% of children live in homes without enough food. For the past five years, Alaska has been ranked in the lower third of the Unites States for child well-being by the national Kids Count produced by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Only six years ago, we were 27th. Alaska’s children are hurting, and our families are suffering. Alaskans are resilient in the face of challenges — but we can reimagine a state where they shouldn’t have to be.

Children are affected by the decisions of our elected officials. However, they have no voice in the political process and cannot vote. It is more important than ever, as stewards of the next generation, adults utilize their voice to advocate for our children. Collectively, we can vote for candidates that center the issues of children and families in their platforms. Alaska Children’s Trust created an educational campaign called “Vote for Kids” to help you, the voter, to utilize your voice and vote with Alaska’s kids in mind.

Despite being the state with the highest rates in various well-being indicators across the board, Alaska has opportunities to do better. Families have been significantly affected by our economic challenges before and after COVID-19 hit, and we are realizing how many systems that serve our children and families are broken or not working for most working families — regardless of party affiliation. When families are economically secure, children have better access to stable housing, nourishing food, preventative health care, and high-quality child care. Our elected officials need to prioritize these issues when they are talking to future and current constituents, because meeting the basic needs of all Alaska children and families is critical to a prosperous future for our communities and the next generation of leaders.

Our social infrastructure can be designed and implemented to either prevent or perpetuate the factors that can lead to children thriving or failing. It is important to ensure those who make decisions about policies and systems are well-informed, and dedicated to ensuring children and families equitably have what they need to succeed. This year, it is crucial that voters keep the well-being of children and families in mind when they are filling out their ballot. If you attend a candidate forum, ask candidates how they will support nurturing homes and communities, economic security for Alaska families, and the health, safety, and wellness of Alaska’s children. Ask them what they think the most pressing issues for Alaska’s families are right now, and if elected, how they will help address them. If we all Vote for Kids, we can give Alaska’s children a voice in our democratic process.

Sarra Khlifi is a Community Advocate with Alaska Children’s Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in Alaska. Learn more how you can Vote for Kids at alaskachildrenstrust.org.

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