[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H3511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HEAD START

  (Ms. KELLY of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, family income shouldn't dictate a 
child's educational outcome; but today, study after study shows that 
children from lower-income families face unique social, emotional, and 
financial challenges that lead them to start school already behind 
their peers.
  We began addressing this problem in 1965 when President Lyndon 
Johnson established the Head Start program. Fifty years later, over 30 
million of our most vulnerable children have benefited from Head Start 
and a more level playing field.
  In Illinois today, there are 48 Head Start programs across the State. 
These programs not only provide opportunities for more than 40,000 
Illinois children and their families each year, but they also give tens 
of thousands of passionate educators the chance to give our most needy 
children a shot at success.
  This week, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Head Start, I urge 
my colleagues to stand with me in support of this vital program. I look 
forward to ensuring that all children can have an equal opportunity to 
succeed.
  I want to salute our troops, our veterans, and those who gave their 
lives as we move into Memorial Day.

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