Rate Content

The Foundation for Child Development recently released their new analysis reporting that there has been a 10% increase in children's well being from 1994-2006.  Reading scores are up for 9 year olds, mortality rates for 1-4 year olds are down, more pre-schoolers are vaccinated, fewer mothers are smoking during pregnancy and more parents are reading to their children.  The analysis includes 25 indicators such as these showing there has been indeed progress on various issues affecting childre

Executive Summary

Overview

How much opportunity do Americans have today compared to 25 years ago? How does opportunity compare across gender and racial groups? What will matter most in ensuring opportunity in America in the future?

The Economic Opportunity Index (EOI) is a tool for measuring the extent to which Americans have the opportunities available to them to achieve the American Dream, and identifying those factors which could contribute most to improved opportunity in the future.

As the housing market has softened considerably, with millions of home in foreclosure over the past year, the federal government has not done more than raise the limits on Jumbo loans and encouraged the private sector to renegotiate loans before they move into default.

McCain's recently unveiled National Health Care Plan (Federal Money in Health Care Plan From McCain, NYTimes 4/30/08) recommends providing a tax credit of $2,500 per individual and $5,000 per family so that all Americans can afford to purchase health insurance.  Funding for this plan would come by eliminating tax breaks currently given to employers for providing health insurance to their employees.