[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 48 (Thursday, April 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     HEAD START STRONGLY SUPPORTED

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 1994

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my 
strong support for the Head Start Program. Considering all that is 
going wrong in our world today, we can look to Head Start as something 
that's right and as something that works.
  Head Start is an investment in the future of America. The program's 
comprehensive approach--integrating education, health care, social 
services, and parental involvement--produces real results that enable 
children from disadvantaged backgrounds to cope and thrive in school 
and at home. Head Start provides the tools for long-term success.
  In recognition of this and despite a tight budget, President Clinton 
has proposed to increase funding to Head Start in the 1995 budget. He 
has proposed that Head Start receive $4 billion in fiscal year 1995, a 
$700 million increase over fiscal year 1994. I support this portion of 
the President's budget without reservation.
  Today, the House will consider the reauthorization of Head Start and 
other antipoverty programs. The Head Start provisions in the 
reauthorization bill, H.R. 4250, would mandate continuous improvement 
of an already good program. The bill would make important changes in 
Head Start to ensure that these programs are both effective and 
relevant to today's families.
  Especially important are the set-aside provisions in the bill for 
infants and toddlers. As the father of a 18-month-old son, with another 
child due in a few weeks, I have witnessed how much learning takes 
place and how habits are formed early in life. I have no doubts about 
the beneficial impact that early childhood development services can 
make in the life of every child.
  Today's Head Start students are tomorrow's young adults. Let us give 
them the chance to be strong participants in our communities.
  After quite a few tomorrows, all of us here will be dependent on 
today's youth for the type of society in which we will then live.
  Let us make the best of this opportunity to help our children who are 
currently at risk--by intervening at the beginning of their lives. 
Let's do it for them, and for us.

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