Massachusetts ranked second in the nation for children’s education and health, according to a new report but advocates warned federal funding cuts could undo much of the progress.

The 2026 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation says investments in programs such as MassHealth and the Fair Share Amendment, which generates revenue for public schools, are improving children’s overall well-being.

Adam Jones, senior policy analyst for the public policy research and advocacy organization MassBudget, said the data show fewer children are living in poverty. But he pointed out cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are still making life unaffordable for many families.

“This time is calling for us as a state to really make bold decisions in terms of keeping kids and their families protected and not allowing people to fall even farther to the margins,” Jones urged.

He noted rental prices are also straining family budgets, with half the state’s renters paying more than 30% of their income on housing. Jones urged state lawmakers to boost rental assistance programs in the fiscal year 2027 state budget.

Despite the state’s high ranking in education, the report shows an increase in children ages 3 and 4 who are not enrolled in school. It also found 63% of eighth graders are not proficient in math, while the fourth-grade reading proficiency rate fell to 40%.

Jones stressed inflation has outpaced state funding levels for public schools and not all districts have the resources to prepare students for standardized exams.

Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, said she hopes lawmakers will use the data to pinpoint where greater investments are needed so all children can thrive.

“We’ve seen over time that there are policies and programs that work,” Boissiere emphasized. “SNAP, food security, child tax credits (are) a huge example.”

In 2021, when Congress passed the expanded child tax credit, childhood poverty fell to a historic low of 5%. When Congress let the tax credit expire, it jumped to 13%. Boissiere underscored children do well when governments invest in them.

Source: Public News Service