Gilda Z. Jacobs

From the First Tuesday newsletter. Sign up here.

As 2011 draws to a close, it’s a good time for reflection. Unfortunately, 2011 was another difficult year for families in Michigan, and we know that policy decisions turned the clock backward.

To paint the 2011 picture for you, I’ve developed a matching game. See if you can connect the answers to questions about child and family well-being.

A. Michiganders who are food insecure
B. Economic activity generated by  $1 of food assistance
C. Rise in childhood poverty since 2000
D. Kids on free or reduced lunch 
E. Unemployment rate 
F. Average age of a child receiving cash assistance
G. Number of children statewide slated to lose cash assistance
H. Tax cut to businesses
I. Amount per person, per day on cash assistance (welfare)
J. Average number of months a family is on welfare
K. Number of weeks unemployment insurance was reduced
L. Percent of people who qualify for Medicaid

1. 64%
2. 10.6%
3. One out of seven
4. 29,700
5. $1.79
6. 83%
7. 14.9
8. Six
9. One in five
10. $5
11. 7 years old
12. 50%

Key: (A-3, B-5, C-1, D-12, E-2, F-11, G-4, H-6, I-10, J-7, K-8, L-9)

The numbers tell the story and there are no winners in our game. We hope that you will help us tell the story by donating to the League. Our research, data, and advocacy have never been needed more.

Please give generously by clicking on our Donate button and have a joyous holiday season.

– Gilda Z. Jacobs

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Categories: Blog: Factually Speaking, Health Care, Human Services, Kids Count, State Budget, Tax Policy | Tags: budget, caseload, cash assistance, children, children and families, medicaid, poverty, revenue, safety net, unemployment, vulnerable families