What does this mean for Head Start? This means the threat of sending Head Start’s federal funding to the states for distribution has a temporary stay. Given the fact that the votes for the Strong Start Act were cast along strict party lines – Democrats voted ‘aye’ and Republicans voted ‘nay’ – we do not expect to see the bill on the Senate floor until the Fall. A big thank you to all the Head Start supporters who made calls and signed on to SupportHeadStart.org – your actions mattered!
On Wednesday, May 14, the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee considered the Strong Start for America’s Children Act. As NHSA expected, during the committee meeting Senator Alexander introduced an amendment which would block grant Head Start funding. The Strong Start for America’s Children Act was voted out of committee and Senator Alexander’s amendment was defeated.
