Economic Situation
Report from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy
I have been following the debate in Tallahassee as our legislators struggle...or don't struggle... on issues from balancing the budget to off-shore drilling, and I would like to share with you my observations. The following is from a report from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy.
How Florida is Doing Economically: Poorly
Unemployment in Florida is the highest in 35 years; poverty and homelessness are growing; by many measures, our health and education systems are among the worst in the nation; and the only place state government is spending more money is prisons. Thousands of people fortunate to keep their jobs still find themselves on "waitlists" for critical public services.
State revenues are insufficient to meet the needs of struggling families today and to make wise investments in the state's future prosperity.Here are the Results
- -The state's high school graduation rate of 58% is the 47th worst in the country. High school graduates earn 30% more than non-completers.
- - Florida's health system is ranked 45th and the high unemployment rate coupled with an increased need for long-term care for the elderly and disabled is causing our health care (Medicaid) costs to increase.
- - 31 states have lower infant mortality rates and 35 have lower rates of low birth weight babies.
The thousands of people on "waitlists" for public services include:
- - Over 28,000 people who are elderly.
- - 19,000 people with disabilities.
- - 17,000 people with substance abuse problems.
- - 190,000 adults with serious and persistent mental health problems.
- - 200,000 children with emotional disturbances.
- - Over 200,000 families needing financial assistance for childcare.
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