| July 15, 2003 |
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN) announced today that he opposes legislation (H.R. 2210) to begin block granting the Head Start program.
“I don’t understand why the Administration wants to fix a program that’s not broken,” said Ramstad.
“Head Start is one federal program that works and gives parents a voice in how to best meet their children's educational needs,” said Ramstad.
“I have visited a number of Head Start classrooms, and I have seen firsthand that Head Start is working well for ‘at-risk’ preschoolers and their families,” said Ramstad.
“I oppose this bill to recast Head Start because it would disrupt Head Start’s comprehensive mission of education, health and nutrition,” said Ramstad. “Comprehensive services, along with parental involvement, are the foundation that makes Head Start successful.”
“This bill diverts funds from local programs to the states, while relieving states of the responsibility to meet current performance standards,” said Ramstad.
“Early childhood experts agree that the proposed changes would be devastating for Head Start and the children and families it serves,” said Ramstad. “The last thing Congress should do is experiment with a successful program.”
# 30 #