[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 76 (Monday, May 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HEAD START PROGRAM

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2015

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of the 50th Anniversary of Head Start. ``Project Head 
Start'' was launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson on May 18, 1965. 
Originally designed as an eight week summer demonstration project, Head 
Start has expanded into an array of prerchool programs that provides 
children from low-income families with a comprehensive array of 
services to prepare them for successful entry into kindergarten and 
illuminates the pathway for a brighter future.
  In the State of Texas, 71,465 children and pregnant women were 
benefitted by Head Start last year. 4,068 of those served were from the 
30th Congressional District of Texas--the district that I serve. Head 
Start is instrumental in uplifting families in my home state by 
providing resources to families who, just like you and me, want to see 
their children reach their full potential.
  In its 50 year history, Head Start has served more than 30 million 
children and their families. Head Start alumni are more likely to 
finish high school, continue on to college and become self-reliant wage 
earners. This is only possible because of the access to services Head 
Start provides to disadvantaged children. It is important that, at this 
critical juncture in our nation's history, we increase our support of 
all Head Start programs. Every child in America should be afforded an 
equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their socio-economic 
background.
  President Obama recently called upon all Americans, including leaders 
of private and philanthropic organizations, communities and governments 
at every level, to make investments in our next generation of thinkers, 
dreamers and doers. Investing in early childhood education is one of 
the best investments we can make as a nation. There is no better way to 
strengthen our economy and bolster our communities.
  As a body of legislators, we have an opportunity and a responsibility 
to lead by example. We can help hardworking, low-income families build 
pathways out of poverty. We owe it to our future and the future of our 
great nation to ensure that all of our children have all equal 
opportunity to succeed. If, as a society, we are serious about giving 
children a bright and promising future, we must increase our investment 
and expand the vital programs Head Start offers.
  Mr. Speaker, today, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Head 
Start, I ask, that as a body, we reaffirm our investment in the 
children of America. Now is the time to expand upon the vision of 
President Lyndon Baines Johnson and his ``Great Society'' programs that 
resulted in the creation of Head Start. I urge my colleagues to support 
bipartisan efforts to give all of America's children a head start in 
life and close the educational opportunity gap.

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