Playing Keep-Away

Center for Public Policy Priorities - "Playing Keep-Away"
Center for Public Policy Priorities - Children's Budget 2012-2013

The Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) is a nonpartisan policy institute that is primarily committed to improving public policies on behalf of low- to moderate- socioeconomic Texans.

Through a "Policy Point" and subsequent news release, the CPPP has brought to light the shortcomings of the proposed State budget in meeting the needs of Texas' children. The budget as outlined decreases the amount of monetary assistance given to benefit children even as the need increases.

Within the "Policy Point", numbers and percentages are thrown out that, at face-value, appear to be encouraging and promoting the welfare of our children.  The budget proposes spending $77 Billion on children in 2012-2013; 49% of that budget is set aside for education, 25% for health, 16% for nutrition, etc.  However, when one reads further, the CPP uncovers the cold, hard truth - our children are being short-changed.  The chart provided shows us the reality of the proposed budget.  Financial appropriations that benefit the State's children are being drastically cut.  Education alone is receiving a 49% decrease in contributions by the federal government with an overall 16% decrease.  The only other area that will be receiving a greater percentage decrease in support is Juvenile Justice.

As pointed out by both CPPP's "Policy Point" and News Release, the 2012-2013 proposed budget ultimately will invest $10 billion less in our children.

In CPPP's report, "Playing Keep-Away", the percentage of Texas children relying on education, health care, and nutrition has greatly increased in the past ten years.  The number of children enrolled in public education increased 21% and children in pre-kindergarten classes increased 43%.  As these numbers rise and the need for financial contributions into these programs increases, the actual monetary assistance received decreases.  As mentioned previously, this year public education is proposed to be subjected to a 16% decrease in assistance.

As the gap between need and assistance continues to widen, what will happen to those most vulnerable to its effects?  We are playing keep-away with Texas children's education, and ultimately their futures.