[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 111 (Thursday, July 24, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HEAD START, H.R. 2210

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2003

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues from the Congressional 
Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus to oppose H.R. 2210, 
which the leadership in the House of Representatives will bring to the 
floor this week.
  Since the beginning of the program, Head Start has provided the 
foundation for low-income working families. Upon this foundation, 
thousands of adults throughout South Texas have overcome tremendous 
obstacles to break the cycle of family poverty and become productive 
citizens. Without the solid base provided by Head Start, the children 
and families in the 21st Century will have a much harder time trying to 
get a start on education, nutrition habits, and other simple health 
care and educational needs.
  In South Texas, we have a long and successful relationship with Head 
Start. In my district alone, Head Start serves nearly 4,000 kids from 
birth to 5 years old.
  Tonight, I want to share with you stories from people who have used 
this program so our colleagues will understand precisely what we will 
be taking away from the children of Texas and other states around the 
nation if the House passes H.R. 2210.
  Cynthia del Angelo--She and her twin sister attended Head Start in 
1973. They both own their own daycare centers now. Her mother received 
all of her education through Head Start, and is now an Education 
Coordinator. Her father is currently an area manager of a Head Start 
center. Her husband is a restaurant manager. They both feel that Head 
Start contributed to their success by instilling in them the confidence 
that they could achieve anything.
  Jose Carrizales--Attended Head Start in 1965 in a small, rural 
community. Changed him from a shy, skeptical boy into a secure, loving 
kid with self-confidence. Later, having become a parent of a Head Start 
child, he was elected President of the Parent Committee, where the 
leadership skills he gained led him to a 6-year employment as the 
District Office Manager for Congressman Solomon Ortiz. He now is the 
Director of Family Services for Head Start in South Texas.
  Maricela Vasquez Vitt--Former Head Start student now teaches 
elementary school in Los Fresnos, Texas. Head Start allowed her to 
learn English before she started school, and form a strong educational 
foundation.
  Jo Ann Garcia--She and her sister are both Head Start students and 
are now Registered Nurses. Jo Ann has worked with cancer patients in a 
major hospital and as Director for a Home Health Provider, and says 
that neither one is as rewarding for her as working with Head Start 
kids.
  These are the everyday people who have been profoundly affected by 
the good works of Head Start. These are the sorts of people in the 
future who will be without similar services and without the foundation 
now provided by Head Start.

                          ____________________