WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Rep. Greg Stanton urged Health and Human Secretary Kennedy to reverse the closure of the regional Head Start office that oversees Arizona programs. The reduction in force that took effect yesterday has resulted in the closure of at least five regional Head Start offices, including the one that oversees Arizona. In the letter, Stanton wrote:
“Head Start is a lifeline for Arizona kids and families. It ensures that kids have access to early learning programs, meals, and health care resources in the critical early childhood development years, from birth to age five. It's also one of the best investments the federal government can make—the payoff for our society and economy is $7 for every $1 spent.
The closure of the San Francisco regional office means that Head Start programs in Arizona now have no one to turn to to process grants, provide technical assistance, sign off on expenditures, or conduct oversight. It is entirely unacceptable to leave Arizona educators that care for some of our youngest and most vulnerable children without the resources and assistance they need.”
The full letter is available HERE.