Kennedy assures Congress funding for Head Start will not be cut
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assured Congress that the Trump administration is committed to maintaining the current funding levels for Head Start. This assurance came after concerns arose from agency layoffs and budget freezes, which sparked fears that this long-standing program might face severe reductions.

While addressing a Senate subcommittee, Kennedy highlighted that the administration plans to focus efforts on promoting nutritious eating within Head Start and will work to ensure the program continues to effectively reach its 750,000 children and their families.

This early education initiative, designed to assist children from low-income and homeless backgrounds nationwide, is dealing with workforce shortages, and numerous centers are constantly struggling with financial instability.

While the program has been spared from elimination, Kennedy has laid off a significant number of employees who helped the program operate and shuttered half its regional offices. Providers have experienced repeated funding delays since President Donald Trump took office, forcing some to briefly close.

In a tense exchange, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, pressed Kennedy on why the federal government delayed sending funding to a Head Start operation outside Milwaukee, forcing it to close.

“What would you say to a parent who shows up for … Head Start and the doors are closed?” she asked him.

“I would be very sad,” Kennedy said. “I fought very hard to make sure Head Start gets all of its funding next year.”

Asked what was causing the delays, Kennedy said he did not know, but suggested the problem came from employees “who wanted to make the Trump administration look bad.”

Backers of Head Start had been fretting after a leaked Trump administration proposal suggested defunding it, but earlier this month a senior White House official told reporters there would be no changes to the program.

___

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Asking Eric: Friendship disrupted by house full of security cameras

Home Surveillance Strains Friendship: How Eric’s Security Cameras Created Tension

Dear Eric: I’m deeply concerned about losing a cherished friendship. I met…
Historic libraries bring modern comfort to book lovers and history buffs in New England

New England’s Historic Libraries Blend Timeless Charm with Modern Comfort for Book Lovers and History Enthusiasts

In the heart of Boston, David Arsenault experiences a sense of reverence…
Rubio, Huckabee meet with families of US citizens whose remains are being held hostage in Gaza

Rubio and Huckabee Engage with Families of Americans Held in Gaza

In a significant diplomatic effort, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside U.S.…
'No Kings' protests largely comprised of people from one demographic: experts

Experts Reveal Predominant Demographic in ‘No Kings’ Protest Movement

At last weekend’s “No Kings” protest in Washington, D.C., the sight of…
Serbian foreign minister proposes hosting Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations amid ongoing conflict

Serbia Offers Neutral Ground for Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks: A Diplomatic Step Towards Resolution

EXCLUSIVE: Marko Djuric, the Foreign Minister of Serbia, revealed to Fox News…
Independent NJ candidate’s martial arts theatrics shakes up township meeting

Martial Arts Moves by Independent NJ Candidate Stir Excitement at Township Meeting

It felt less like a conventional town hall meeting and more akin…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Authorities Determine Teen’s ‘Gel Blaster’ Shooting in Skokie’s Shawnee Park as Antisemitic Hate Crime: Police Report

In SKOKIE, Illinois, local authorities have determined that a teenager’s use of…
More than 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky recalled over metal contamination

Urgent Recall: Over 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Due to Metal Contamination

Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled jerky or return it…
Progressive Zohran Mamdani taking his case directly to Fox News’ conservative viewers

Progressive Powerhouse Zohran Mamdani Faces Fox News: A Bold Move to Connect with Conservative Viewers

Zohran Mamdani, a leading Democratic mayoral candidate known for his democratic socialist…
The Beatles' Ringo Starr, 85, on reuniting with Paul McCartney, the mantra he lives by and what he said to Prince William

Ringo Starr, 85, Shares Insights on Reuniting with Paul McCartney, His Life’s Mantra, and a Memorable Exchange with Prince William

LOS ANGELES — Ringo Starr, the iconic drummer of The Beatles, is…
ICE, CBP seize 400 firearms hidden in fake trailer walls at southern border crossing

ICE and CBP Uncover 400 Firearms Concealed in False Trailer Walls at Southern Border Checkpoint

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In Laredo, Texas, a father and son have been…
SNAP benefits November: Donald Trump admin. won't tap contingency fund for food aid amid government shutdown 2025, memo says

Trump Administration Withholds SNAP Contingency Funds During 2025 Government Shutdown, Memo Reveals

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has decided against using approximately $5 billion…