Barbara Mikulski: “I support the Dodd amendment to add $500 million to the Head Start Program. I have heard from communities all over…”

“I support the Dodd amendment to add $500 million to the Head Start Program. I have heard from communities all over Maryland that are being forced to make tough choices because funding for Head Start is inadequate. Communities have to choose between two bad options: diluting the quality of Head Start, or shutting the doors on some eligible children. And what does President Bush propose to solve this problem? Instead of putting the resources in the budget, he proposed dismantling Head Start by handing it over to the States. Head Start is already one of the more successful Federal programs. Head Start can be even more effective than it already is. But you know what? It is going to take Federal leadership and a serious investment--not a block grant and a prayer. That is why I am proud to cosponsor the Dodd amendment. Currently, only 60 percent of eligible preschool children are in Head Start, and only 3 percent of eligible infants and toddlers are in Early Head Start. In Maryland, about 25 percent of eligible children under 5 are in Head Start and Early Head Start. At the same time, we are trying to improve Head Start by requiring stricter teacher qualifications, by improving academic instruction, and by maintaining vital health and social services. Yet this bill provides only $148 million more for Head Start. That is not even enough to cover inflation. The Bush budget puts communities in a tough position.”