Jon L. Christensen: “I rise in support of H.R. 1429, the Improving Head Start Act of 2007. Mr. Chairman, for the last two Congresses we have…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1429, the Improving Head Start Act of 2007. Mr. Chairman, for the last two Congresses we have successfully fought back the attempts by the then Republican leadership to cut funding, and to drastically change Head Start in ways that would prevent them from providing the services that our communities have come to depend on them for. Every week I meet with outstanding high school and college students who began their educational journey in Head Start. This bill provides additional funding so that more children would have the opportunities provided by this important program. H.R. 1429 also provides greater monitoring and accountability and increases funds for salaries and professional development. As amended it also provides loan forgiveness for Head Start teachers as a means to attract and retain some of the best teachers for this very vulnerable group of children. One thing this bill does not do is allow centers run by religious organizations to discriminate in their hiring. Mr. Chairman, this bill, together with H.R. 1867 is an important step forward in realizing the 'competitiveness agenda' that you have laid out for us in the 110th Congress. I urge the passage of both bills.”