State and local governments through their funding of public schools, health systems, and social services, provide resources and services to support children’s healthy development. State spending on children varies widely. As indicated in a report from the Urban Institute, health and education outcomes tend to be higher in states with higher spending levels.
The report can be obtained at http://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/89881/unequal_playing_field_0.pdf.