Democratic Quotes of Support for Head Start

Head Start provides high-quality learning and care, nutrition, and medical services for young children whose families have incomes below poverty. This helps their parents to go to work, especially in rural areas where it may be the only child care option around.

Across the political spectrum, Members of Congress have long understood the important role Head Start plays in the lives of families with young children in their districts. 

Below are quotes from Democratic Members of Congress expressing support for Head Start and the impact it has on the communities they serve. 

• Head Start programs like Action for Boston Community Development are more than just early education – they’re the gateway to a great start for countless kids and parents. Especially when care costs continue to rise. I’m working to ensure we keep investing in child care and keep costs down for families. – Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) 
• “That’s why I’ve always supported Early Head Start programs, which promote the social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development of children under three while also supporting their parents as they move toward self-sufficiency.” – Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA)
• “Head Start sets our children up for a lifetime of success by providing the support needed to help kids learn and grow. For parents throughout our communities, these programs are critical.” – Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO)
• “Education is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation.  This Head Start funding will support children in West Central Illinois and provide them with the skills to be successful when they enter kindergarten.” – Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
• “It also provides essential support for Head Start Programs, ensuring that our premier early education program has the funding needed to meet rising costs.  When kids have access to a healthy, enriching learning environment, it sets them up for a strong start in life and frees parents up to pursue economic opportunities.”  – Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)
• “I am really glad to have secured $1 billion more in this legislation to lower families’ child care costs and support pre-K options for working parents across the country through Head Start.  This funding builds on major new investments I’ve worked to deliver in recent years and will help more families afford child care where they live.” -Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
• “Every child in Georgia deserves a safe, healthy, and happy preschool education. Bringing Republicans and Democrats together, we’re delivering a historic increase in funding for Head Start programs in Georgia and nationwide.” -Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA)
• “Head Start prides itself on providing comprehensive child development services for the community it serves, supporting everyone from children from prenatal to age three, pregnant women and partners, and their families.  The services that the Head Start program provide reach far and wide: education, free dental and medical screenings, nutrition, mental health, and family engagement programs.” – Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
• “Quality early education programs like Head Start are the key to cultivating the skills children need to ensure future success.” – Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)
• “I’m delighted to announce a Head Start grant for the Middle Georgia Community Action Inc. Children are our future & it is crucial that we make an early investment in their lives to lay the foundation for them to live prosperous and successful lives.” – Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA)
• “Proud to announce we’ve brought home another $26 million in funding for San Joaquin Head Start programs. We have to keep our community a great place to start and grow a family.” – Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA)
• “Not only do Head Start babies end up in Congress, but they also go on to be doctors, teachers, and have other wonderful careers. I started my own academic career in Head Start, it’s where I fell in love with learning. … I want children to know they can reach for the stars. A little girl from Las Vegas, New Mexico made it from South Public to the halls of Congress,  and they can make it anywhere they set their mind to.” – Rep. Legar Fernandez (D-NM)
• “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Head Start, and as an alum, I know how important strong federal investments in early childhood education are to help foster successful futures for our children”– Sen. Rapheal Warnock (D-GA)
• “As a Head Start alum, I personally know the impact this program has on families. Early childhood education is key for development and translates to higher graduation rates and success later on. Every family should have access to this support.” Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN) 
• “As a mother and a policymaker, I’ve seen children in our community grow and thrive when they have access to high-quality early childhood education like Community Action Team’s Head Start program. This funding will help make sure that children in Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook Counties have the strong start they need to succeed in school and life.” – Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
• “As a mom, I know firsthand how difficult it is to find safe, affordable childcare, and for far too many families, it is nearly impossible. Head Start is an essential support for our kids and families to help bring financial independence and give our kids the best shot at success.” – Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO)

For Republican quotes of support for Head Start, click HERE