Recently, Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick reported that she joined a bipartisan group of legislators in urging Congress to protect and expand federal funding for Head Start programs that serve over 85,000 children and families in California each year.
At a Capitol press conference, Hadwick emphasized the unique importance of Head Start to rural communities in the 1st Assembly District, where early learning and child care options are already limited. The 1st Assembly District includes Plumas County.
“Raised in rural California by a single mom who worked two jobs just to keep the lights on and food on the table, I know firsthand what Head Start means to families like mine,” said Hadwick. “It was a stepping stone. We need those stepping stones for our families as we face some of the most challenging financial times in our generation.”
Hadwick went on to say, “In rural counties, Head Start isn’t just one option — it’s often the only option. It’s how parents can work. It’s how children get the early learning, health screenings and family support they need to thrive. I fully believe that we need to cut our budget and cut the waste. I just hope that we don’t do that on the backs of our low-income, working families and our children.”
California receives nearly $1.5 billion annually in federal Head Start funding, which supports a diverse network of early education, home visiting and wraparound family services. Head Start also serves as critical workforce infrastructure, employing more than 26,000 Californians and supporting jobs in child care, transportation, local contracting and more, said Hadwick’s office.
Hadwick and her colleagues expressed alarm at recent developments, including the April 1 closure of half the regional offices that support Head Start providers — including the office that serves California. Reports of internal federal discussions to eliminate Head Start altogether have also surfaced.
The letter signed by Hadwick and over two-thirds of the California State Legislature calls on Congress to reject any proposal to weaken or eliminate Head Start; preserve and expand federal investments in Head Start, including workforce and capacity-building funds; and recognize Head Start as a vital part of California and the nation’s early learning and care system.
“If we’re serious about opportunity, equity and strong rural communities, then we must protect Head Start,” said Hadwick. “This is about our values — and about ensuring every child, no matter their ZIP code, gets a fair start in life.”
The full press conference is available here. Hadwick’s full remarks are available here.
