Olympia Snowe: “I support the William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program. I am proud to join my colleague, Senator Clinton…”

“I support the William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program. I am proud to join my colleague, Senator Clinton, on this important issue. Senator Clinton and I have been fighting for this program for the last 3 years, and we are committed to continuing to fight until this program is fully restored. The majority of Maine's neediest families have also had services taken away from them due to cuts over the past 2 years. In 2005, Even Start Programs in Maine served 168 families through 9 programs. Today, Even Start is only serving 57 families through 3 programs. This means that 66 percent of Maine families being served have lost Even Start services over the past 3 years. These families depend on Even Start for help in learning English, pursuing educational opportunities, and obtaining job skills. In a Texas A&M University Study, 2004-05, parents participating in Even Start were more often and better employed. The study found that employment jumped from 17 percent before enrollment to 51 percent after program completion, and wages increased by more than 25 percent. This program helps parents acquire important skills to be their child's first and most important teacher. In fact, Even Start complements other early childhood education programs such as Head Start and Reading First by providing the comprehensive family services that help children in these critical years.”