NHSA Urges Congress to Reject Baseless FY24 Cuts to Head Start and Early Head Start

In response to last night’s Rules Committee hearing and the House’s potential consideration of HR 5894, NHSA released the following statement from Executive Director Yasmina Vinci:

The House continues to senselessly hurdle toward consideration of the appropriations bill that will have devastating cuts to Head Start and Early Head Start. These cuts mean closed classrooms and parents with fewer early learning options while a child care crisis is raging. The pandemic already put many children further behind academically. Why are we pulling the stool out from under the most vulnerable children and families when they need us most?

NHSA appreciates the sincere efforts of Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) who are attempting to amend the bill and fill gaps, but overall we oppose the bill. Congress needs to come together and reject these baseless cuts. We implore House Republicans and Democrats to reverse course, restore Head Start and Early Head Start funding, address the real costs of inflation, and bring Head Start teacher salaries in-line.