Maryland Children now at Greater Risk of Poverty, Hunger
Every Maryland resident benefits from a more highly educated, healthier, and economically stable community. And when more than 170,000 Maryland children experience hunger, fewer educational opportunities, and limited health care on a daily basis, everyone faces long-term economic uncertainty.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s “2016 Kids County Data Book: State Trends for Child Well-Being” nearly one in seven Maryland children live in poverty. For Maryland in 2016, that means a family of four trying to get by on less than $24,300 per year. Unfortunately, this problem is getting worse. The number of children whose families struggle to make ends meet and put enough food on the table has gone up since 2010.
In addition, one in four children have parents who lack secure employment, which means an even larger population of children is at high risk of going hungry. During the Great Recession, Maryland’s economy suffered less than other states because of the high percentage of residents working for the federal government where job stability is higher. But, in the years since the recession, the federal government has shrunk its workforce and reduced spending for the region’s federal contractors – slowing Maryland’s economy as a result.
Since last year Maryland has dropped in rank among states from 11th to 16th in the overall condition of children, according to the Kids Count report, despite remaining one of the wealthiest states in the nation. If state policymakers would do more to protect the health and well-being of Maryland children the situation would improve.
Studies clearly show that higher family incomes starting early in a child’s life can have prolonged benefits for cognitive development, health, and education. The advantages from living your childhood out of poverty can extend into adult life, where studies show a positive correlation to higher earnings.
Making a meaningful effort to end childhood poverty in Maryland will improve the long-term health of our economy. Gov. Larry Hogan and the General Assembly haven’t put this problem at the forefront — and that is causing the problem to get worse. We must do more to help all Maryland families afford enough food and keep a roof over their heads. We should make sure parents have what they need to get and keep a job, like affordable child care and paid sick leave. And those jobs need to pay more. Policies that contribute to a higher standard of living for everyone will enable all Marylanders to feel the effects of long-term economic progress.
