Congresswoman Maxine Waters Introduces Comprehensive Plan To Fortify Head Start Access

On October 17, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, representing CA-43 and serving as the ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services, introduced the Head Start Shutdown Protection Act in the House of Representatives.Waters emphasized the necessity of this act, stating, “The Head Start Shutdown Protection Act aims to shield children and families in the Head Start program from the adverse effects of the ongoing Trump-Republican shutdown, which has now lasted 17 days.” This legislation mandates federal reimbursement for states, localities, and school districts that tap into their own resources to sustain Head Start operations, ensuring continued service to families in need.Head Start plays a vital role in early education for the nation’s most at-risk children. As a former teacher, Waters acknowledged the program’s importance in laying a groundwork for lifelong success. Disturbingly, recent shutdowns have already forced some programs, affecting thousands of children, to seek emergency funding to survive. Waters reaffirmed that these disruptions are unacceptable for vulnerable children, their families, and dedicated educators.

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