DEFUND HEAD START?

Several years ago, our youngest granddaughter was enrolled in Head Start. Because both her parents worked, my wife and I would drive her to and from Suwannee Valley Four C’s, our local Head Start program. Our granddaughter was introduced to an excellent educational program, and she prospered. She developed an intense love of reading and learning, and I became known to her classmates as “Papa Bob.” Before long both my wife and I became involved in the administration of the program, and I am still an active member of the SV4C’s Board of Directors. Our granddaughter has long since graduated from Head Start and is now in grammar school, where she continues to excel academically. Head Start gave her a solid background on which to build. It does the same for many economically disadvantaged children. I knew Head Start was a good program before I became involved on the Board of Directors, but since I became a member I have gained a deeper appreciation for the good work done by the program. Since President Trump has taken office, the program has been cut back. Although no irreparable harm has yet been done to the program, his proposed budget for 2026 does not provide for the funding of Head Start. The stoppage of Federal Funding would be disastrous for the program nationwide. I ask that you write to your Federal Legislators urging that they include Head Start funding in the 2026 budget. If you feel that Head Start is a worthy program, you can use the following link to make your Senators and Congressmen/women aware of your concerns: https://nhsa.org/take-action/