Is an educated person happier, healthier, more productive, and less likely to go on Medicaid than one who is not? Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education says yes in a recent piece by KUT News.
A report by the Alliance for Excellent Education said cutting the high school drop out rate in half could save the state of Texas millions of dollars-- as a matter of fact $547 million. Here's how it breaks the savings down:
- $70,194,553 in heart disease-related Medicaid savings
- 143,462,985 in obesity-related Medicaid savings
- $108,543,656 in alcoholism-related Medicaid savings
- $146,784,162 in smoking-related Medicaid savings
Chuck DaVore, with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, says the Medicaid link is not about education, but about economics. Does a person without a degree have the same earning potential as one with a degree? DaVore also says the Medicaid numbers are related to foreign workers, not high school drop outs.
In a related education story, the Amarillo Globe reports a significant number of high school Seniors in the Panhandle have to pass STAAR tests before they can get their diplomas, giving them the option to further their education.
