Dear John,

Tonight the president will deliver a speech about the state of our union. But if a nation is truly measured by how it treats its children, the fact is that the state of our union is perilous.

Here are some damning facts to consider:

Nearly 1 in 6 children in the United States are poor.

Children make up more than 20 percent of those experiencing homelessness.

The number of children without health insurance is rising for the first time in a decade.

More than 72 percent of Black and Hispanic fourth graders in public schools are not proficient in reading or math.

Every day in America, 5 children are killed by abuse and neglect.

A child or teen is arrested every 43 seconds.

The number of children and teens killed by guns in 2017 would fill 170 classrooms.

How can a country that treats its children like this claim to be strong?

This week, we are releasing the newest edition of our State of America’s Children report. The data is clear: the kids are not all right. Now we need to make sure the president, Congress, and those in power across the country know it. 

Thank you for standing up for our children. Their futures, and the future of our country, depend on it.

In solidarity,

Children’s Defense Fund

Children's Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002