Editorial: Kids Count - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: Kids Count

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  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:20:04 GMT
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:20:08 GMT
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
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More children grow up in single-parent families in Alabama than all but four states.

In all but three states fourth graders perform better in math. 

Juvenile arrests are rising.

Are we looking after our children in Alabama?

The newest Kids County survey ranking states on issues important to children's health, well-being and education ranks Alabama 48th, indicating we are not a nurturing place for children.

We need to be since protecting children is good business and good policy.  It is the foundation that leads to improvements in all facets of life.

Investing in children in their first years of life is an investment that will be returned ten fold.

Making children our top priority and making Alabama the best place to raise a child should be our goal. 

If it is, the Kids Count metrics will improve and our quality of life overall will improve. 

More active involvement by fathers is a good start.