Statement on FY16 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, Congress released a Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) omnibus appropriations bill that includes a significant increase in funding for Head Start and Early Head Start. The following statement should be attributed to Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association:

“The bipartisan Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) omnibus appropriations bill now before Congress reflects a powerful national commitment to our country’s must vulnerable children. We are encouraged that the funding agreement includes $9.17 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start: an increase of $570 million. The increase will support critical investments to strengthen quality and expand access for infants and toddlers.

It includes funds to stabilize, develop and grow the Head Start workforce, as well as support Head Start programs as they expand their services to a full school day and year. We will continue working with our national leaders to ensure access to high quality Head Start programs, because we believe that the economic prosperity and security of our nation are absolutely dependent upon our sustained investment in the early education, health, and well-being of at-risk children and families. The Head Start community thanks the leadership of the Appropriations Committees in both the House and the Senate for their bipartisan compromise. The FY16 omnibus appropriations bill is an encouraging step forward in our shared commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the opportunity to succeed. We are hopeful Congress will act swiftly to pass the bill so it can move to the President’s desk for signature.