It Takes a State to Raise a Child: Why I Love Taxachusetts

Everyone bellyaches about paying outrageous taxes. Here's an alternative viewpoint.

A recent study, entitled "Homeland Insecurity," conclusively demonstrates a link between the state tax rate and important indicators of children's health (including low birth weight, neonatal mortality, juvenile incarceration, teen pregnancy, and death).

They found that:

• Nine of the top 10 higher tax states rank in the top 20 for overall child well-being.
• Seven of the 10 lowest tax states rank in the bottom 20 states for overall child well being, with four in the bottom 10 states.
• Children in low-tax states are considerably more likely to suffer from poor prenatal care, early death, child abuse and teen incarceration than are children in higher-tax states that invest in child and family programs.
  

The authors conclude:

"The hidden price tags of tax cuts are reduced child health and, in all too many cases, increased risk of premature mortality...The finding is not that rich states take care of children better than poor states. The finding is that (rich or poor) states with higher levels of taxation take care of children better than (rich or poor) states with lower levels of taxation."

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Whatever your political leanings, I hope we can all agree that one proper role of government is to protect and enhance the health of our children. See where your state ranks in child well-being.

I think of taxes as the rent we pay for the privilege and opportunity to live in this glorious country. And the higher the rent, the healthier our kids. Think about that the next time you hear a politican promising tax cuts: just who is going to take the hit? As usual, it's often our littlest citizens.

Related Topics:

• States and U.S. at Odds on Aid for Uninsured
• State Health Facts

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