Rep. Loebsack Ensures Access to Head Start for More Iowa Families

Press Release

REP. LOEBSACK ENSURES ACCESS TO HEAD START FOR MORE IOWA FAMILIES

Today Congressman Dave Loebsack voted for final passage of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007. As a member of the bipartisan Conference Committee charged with finalizing this legislation, Congressman Loebsack played a critical role in ensuring increased access for Iowa families to the successful Head Start early childhood education program. Following today's passage, this legislation will now move to the President's desk for his approval.

Head Start has been the premiere early childhood education program, in the U.S. for more than 40 years. It has served more than 20 million children and families in that time, and it remains a cornerstone in this country's effort to close the achievement gap, combat poverty, and provide all Americans with the opportunity to thrive.

Congressman Loebsack delivered the following speech on the floor of Congress urging his colleagues to support this important legislation:

"I commend Chairman Miller, Mr. Mckeon, Mr. Kildee, and Mr. Castle on their impressive work on this truly bipartisan legislation. This Conference Report is proof positive that when we put our minds to it and work together we can get things done.

"Head Start offers comprehensive early childhood development services to our nation's neediest children. These comprehensive services are key to the programs success. Head Start engages parents and the community in students lives and provides important health, nutritional, and social services.

"Studies show that children who enroll in Head Start excel academically, have fewer health problems, and adapt better both socially and emotionally. I'm proud to say that over 9,600 children are enrolled in the program in Iowa.

"I grew up in poverty and I know first hand how important programs like Head Start are to low-income families. I urge my colleagues to support this Conference Report and I hope it will be quickly signed into law."

Source