Dale Kildee: “I rise in strong support of H.R. 4250, a bill to reauthorize Head Start, low-income home energy assistance, and…”

“I rise in strong support of H.R. 4250, a bill to reauthorize Head Start, low-income home energy assistance, and community services block grants. I would like to commend Chairman Ford and Chairman Martinez as well as Mr. Goodling and Ms. Molinari for their work on this bill. In reauthorizing Head Start, the bill proposes a series of measures that will further strengthen Head Start's quality and effectiveness. Head Start is a wonderful program, one that has been near my heart for years. As a former teacher and past chairman of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over Head Start, I believe it is especially important to help children build on the gains they make in Head Start as they proceed through their academic careers. Mrs. Unsoeld and I added provisions to the elementary and secondary education authorization to ensure that Head Start students experience a smooth transition to elementary school. H.R. 4250 includes language I proposed to help align the transition programs in both schools and Head Start agencies so that we can create a seamless system of support for our youngest students. Mr. Speaker, the bill also extends activities authorized under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program [LIHEAP] and the Community Services Block Grant Program. LIHEAP provides critical services to poor individuals to help them pay energy bills. Assistance provided under this Act often eliminates the need for low-income individuals to choose between heating and eating.”