Rubén Hinojosa: “I will get to the point, who could not support Head Start, a program that provides comprehensive developmental services…”

“I will get to the point, who could not support Head Start, a program that provides comprehensive developmental services for America's low-income children--ages birth to five years? Research has told us time and again that this is the most critical stage of a child's mental and emotional development. Adding $600 million would provide additional services to 53,000 additional low-income children. I represent the third-fastest growing metropolitan statistical area in the U.S. and yet, we have one of the highest rates of poverty, and a very young population. For almost 30 years, I have been involved with education issues. This experience has taught me that children, regardless of income level or race, have the same potential for high achievement and healthy development. We must give them that chance. Head Start has successfully served 17 million children and their families since 1965 * * * Let's not jeopardize that. To my colleagues who say no to Head Start: I say is that your final answer? I hope not.”