This document, together with its four predecessors, has begun to establish a tradition in Connecticut of exemplary social reporting that is being emulated in other parts of the nation. This marks the fifth year of Connecticut's social health index. Connecticut is the first state in the nation to create an annualized index as a vehicle for measuring our social health. With graphs tracing twenty years of social performance, this report offers us an unbiased presentation of the state of our state over time. It is the economic, social and health conditions that influence the overall fabric and growth of our state.
Indicators span generations, geography, income and single issue interest areas.
Just as we routinely anticipate and act upon economic indicators, these indicators tell us of the human condition. They are the Dow Jones, if you will, of the soul of Connecticut. When the human condition is in good health, growth is possible. When it is on a downward trajectory, interventions might be necessary. Without a democracy tool kit to assess how the public is faring, we have little means to determine budget or policy priorities.