Congresswoman Doris Matsui Votes to Support Head Start
Bring Opportunities to Sacramento’s Children
November 14, 2007
Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) announced that the Head Start Investment Act (H.R. 1429) conference report passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Matsui voted in support of the conference report, which will reauthorize the popular Head Start program, ensuring access to the program for more American children.
“Head Start brings a holistic approach to making sure that our most at-risk children are educated and healthy. It invests in putting kids on a path for success, and extends critical, comprehensive development services to children and their families,” said Rep. Matsui.
“Currently, there are residents in Sacramento who are on a waitlist for the program because of a lack of funding. I am proud that with this legislation, we are taking necessary steps to correct this urgent problem and put Head Start back on track,” said Rep. Matsui.
“By investing in Head Start and the Early Head Start programs, we are recognizing the fact that starting our children’s education early is crucial to their long-term achievement. Laying this groundwork now will help ensure that future generations of Americans will be more prosperous and successful in their endeavors,” said Rep. Matsui.
H.R. 1429 will reinvigorate Head Start and help more children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed. It improves teacher and classroom quality, strengthens the focus on school readiness, expands access of the program to more children, and increases the efficiency of daily operations at Head Start Centers.
Under this bill, new funding will be targeted for improving teacher salaries and supporting professional development and will implement an observational tool to improve teaching practices. It requires the use of assessments and improved practices to bolster the literacy and vocabulary levels of students. It also enhances flexibility in expanding access of the program to families from varying income levels and special needs children, while still ensuring that the neediest children remain the program’s top priority.
“No child should be without the best education our country has to offer, regardless of their parents’ economic status. This bill reaffirms our commitment to providing opportunity to every American at every stage of life,” said Rep. Matsui.
