If a nation is measured by how it treats its children, the state of our union is shameful.
Tonight President Trump will address the nation as he delivers his State of the Union remarks. Reports suggest he will present a “relentless optimism,” but our newly-released annual report—State of American’s Children 2020—offers a dramatically different picture: the current state of our children is unacceptable and must be urgently addressed. In the wealthiest nation on Earth, millions of children continue to live in poverty, experience homelessness, go hungry, and not finish high school. For too many of our children—especially children of color and immigrant children—basic building blocks to safety and success are out of reach.
The report includes the latest data on a wide range of issues impacting children’s lives and share stories of real children across the country. For each area, we also include data tables that include state-by-state breakdowns and breakdowns by race and ethnicity.
So as you listen tonight, remember that 2020 is a critical year for our nation, and for our nation’s children. We have the opportunity to decide who we are, and whether we are a country that stands up for its children. We hope that advocates and lawmakers alike will use this report to push for the changes we need to make sure every child—regardless of their zip code, the color of their skin, or how much money their parents make—has a chance to thrive in the wealthiest nation on earth.
Find the full report, state factsheets, and graphics to share on social media here.