EL PASO, Texas -- The nation's second-largest state ranks in the bottom half when it comes to kids living in poverty. In a study by the Annie C. Casey Foundation, Texas ranks 37 out of 50 states for the well-being of children in poor families. The study also found that 47 percent of children in Texas are living in poverty.

"I think the state should do more about that,” said Valerie Perales. “The kids are our future so we should emphasize their health care, their education."

For children in low-income homes, here's how Texas ranks: 32 out of 50 for social well being, 43 out of 50 for cognitive development and education and 41 out of 50 state for health status.

The latest information from the census bureau shows 20 percent of children in Texas have no health insurance, the highest percent in the nation.

Politicians point the finger at leadership in Austin.

"Folks in Austin have chosen to cut children's health insurance, cut Medicaid and kicked a million children out of Medicaid, " said St. Sen. Eliot Shapleigh. Shapleigh’s district is 29, which includes El Paso.

In El Paso, 38 percent of children live in poverty. That’s 88,749 children.

"Yes you can see that they need clothes, shoes and they’re looking in the streets,” said Mario Villalobos who said he sees the children in his south side neighborhood.

Senator Shapleigh said something is being done about it.

"Right now we're trying to add all the children that were kicked out of CHIP [Children’s Health Insurance Program] back into CHIP. We're leading that effort in a coalition here in el Paso,” Shapleigh said. “We're working with school districts to talk about early childhood education."

Others say the solution should start with employment.

"We need more job opportunities for the parents," said Perales.

The top five states for children living in poverty are Utah at No. 1, followed by North Dakota, Idaho, Wyoming, and South Dakota.