Vested Interest - Trends - November/December 1999 Issue

Growing Ranks of the Uninsured

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the number of Americans without health insurance grew in 1998 to 44.3 million, roughly a million more than in 1997. The increase nearly mirrored growth in the American population, so that the percentage without health insurance grew only slightly, from 16.1% in 1997 to 16.3% in 1998. By small increments, the percentage has grown over the last few years. Most, 70.2%, of those with health insurance obtain coverage through their jobs, but 47.5% of the working poor lacked coverage. Medicaid covered 14.0 million, but almost as many poor people – 11.2 million – lacked coverage. The percentage of Illinoisans without health insurance is below the national average, but still surged from 12.4% in 1997 to 15.0% in 1998. (AP, October 4, 1999)

Most Consumers Spending More than They Make

The U.S. Commerce Department reported that personal income rose 0.5% in August of this year, but spending grew 0.9%, lowering the savings rate to -1.5%, tying a record low first set last May. The savings rate – after tax income less spending – has set record lows throughout most of 1999. Consumer spending is a key driver of the national economy, accounting for two-thirds of gross national product, but incomes have not kept up. (AP, October 1, 1999)

Faster than a Speeding Locomotive — College Tuition Flies High

The College Board reported that the average cost of college tuition grew slightly less than 5% this year over last – the lowest increase in four years, but still twice the rate of inflation. Average tuition, room, and board at four-year private schools now runs $21,339. Tuition, room and board for in-state students at public schools averages $8,086. Total student aid reached $64 billion last year, of which 58% was loans, up 40% from 1980. (AP, October 5, 1999)

Greatest Thinkers of the Millennium

BBC News conducted a poll through its online service to determine the greatest thinker of the last thousand years. The winner was Karl Marx, who edged out Albert Einstein by a clear margin. Others named on the poll include Immanuel Kant, Rene Descartes, and Stephen Hawking. (BBC, October 1,1999)

Killers on the Loose

A New York Times/CBS News poll of 1,038 teenagers nationwide found that nearly just over half, 52%, fear that a “Columbine-style” shooting spree could occur at their high school. Still, most feel safe. Only 24% feared becoming a victim of a crime at school or on their way to school, down from 40% in 1994. Students’ actual chance of becoming a victim are very small – even though there have averaged about four dozen school shootings each year, there are 50 million students. (AP, October 20, 1999)

Buchanan’s Reform Candidacy Will Hurt Republican Party: Survey

A national survey of 761 registered voters, including 290 registered Republicans, conducted by Marist College found that many think that Pat Buchanan’s defection to the Reform Party will hurt the Republican Party come election day. Among Republican voters, 40% thought the defection would hurt, while 44% thought it would have no effect. Another 16% thought it would help the Party. (AP, October 22, 1999)

Governors Sleep with Star Bellied Sneeches

The Pizza Hut Corporation surveyed the nation’s governors in conjunction with National Young Readers’ Day to find out what was their favorite children’s book. The most popular author among the governors was Dr. Seuss. Five governors named “Green Eggs and Ham” as their favorite, and four other governors named other Seuss titles. “The Little Engine that Could” and “Treasure Island” were named by five governors. Two governors named the Hemingway novel “Old Man and the Sea”. Other titles included “Goodnight Moon” and “James and the Giant Peach”. (AP, November 4, 1999)