ADVOCACY: What's Going On Right Now...

March 10, 2025: Monday
The Continuing Resolution (CR) Budget ends this Friday, March 14! We need everyone in our Head Start/Early Head Start community to "Take Action for Head Start"!
Click Take Action for Head Start; we strongly suggest using your personal email and take action from your phone. Share this link far and wide! You can complete this every 24 hours!

March 7, 2025: Friday
MESSAGES TO HEAD START STAFF: Recently, TCOC Head Start/Early Head Start Director and CEO/Director of Riverbend Head Start & Family Services shared their insights of the current status of Head Start with their staff. It is written cleanly, succintly, and attuned to current events and we're posting it here for you to share with your staff and others. Transparency is critical so that we can prepare for the unknown but we understand the fine line it presents with instilling fear in our workforce. Thus facts matter.

INSIGHT 1: From Rachel DeSpain, TCOC Head Start & Early Head Start Director

The narrative around the dismantling of the Department of Education has strengthened this week, with notable announcements that it may be as early as today that an executive order is signed:
- Head Start is NOT funded by or under the direction of the Department of Education.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funds Head Start. Specifically the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Office of Head Start (OHS).
- The Office of Head Start’s workforce was reduced by approximately 20% three weeks ago. This means fewer employees reviewing, approving, and monitoring programs. At this time, we are not aware of any changes to the OHS staff that support us regionally or federally.
Definition of Executive Order: An executive order is a written directive from the President of the United States instructing federal agencies to take specific actions. Executive orders have the force of law and are usually based on existing laws.

SNAP Benefits: The federal government funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administering the program and states operating it locally. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees SNAP at the federal level, establishing regulations and providing state guidance. States are responsible for determining eligibility, issuing benefits, and operating the program at the local level.
As per the USDA: “State agencies should continue to administer the program in accordance with federal statutes and regulations, following normal processes and timelines for sending issuance files and issuing benefits through the end of April 2025.
FNS has taken action to fund SNAP administrative expenses through the end of April 2025.
Ensure that those utilizing the SNAP Program are aware of, responsive to, and complete all requirements within the timeframe assigned to them as it relates to benefits.

MEDICAID: Is a joint federal and state program (partnership) providing health coverage to low-income individuals, families, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, with states administering their programs within federal guidelines and funding.
The Federal agency responsible for Medicaid is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is responsible for Medicaid and related program.
While the federal government sets the framework, states have significant flexibility in determining eligibility criteria, covered services, and how they deliver care.
If you, someone you know, or a family of the program reports losing Medicaid coverage unexpectedly or for an unknown reason, please let me know.

Here’s what I continue to need from you: prioritize safety, show up, provide exceptional services to children and families, support each other, and breathe. Let me focus on this stuff---and you guys just keep being a great asset to those we have the privilege to serve and each other!!

INSIGHT 2: From Gene Howell, CEO of Riverbend Head Start & Family Services
While Head Start has seen little true disruption, the date we are keeping close eye on is March 14^th when the current Continuing Resolution expires.

The Federal budget should have been set at the beginning of the Federal Fiscal Year which was October 1^st, 2024. However, both houses of Congress could not agree on a budget. When that happens, Congress can either agree to a “Continuing Resolution” or “CR” which funds government at the same levels as the fiscal year that just ended temporarily or Congress can allow the government to “shut down”. In October Congress agreed to a CR. That CR was good until late December. Ideally during that time Congress works out their differences and settles on a budget before the CR expires. That did not happen so Congress, once again voted to avoid a Government Shutdown and approve another CR. The CR that was approved in December expires on March 14^th. The process is likely to take a shift since a new Congress was installed in January.

We are hopeful that a budget will be agreed upon. We don’t know all of what issues are at debate but we understand that the Senate’s version of the budget would provide a $700 million increase in Head Start funding while the House of Representatives bill includes just a $25 million increase in funding. In any case, Head Start has enjoyed the support of both Republicans and Democrats over our 60 years. We anticipate that not to change.

It is truly in no one’s best interest to have a government shut down but if that were to occur, [all Head Start programs will carry on, with the exception of April 1 Grantees]. Having said that, the longest shutdown on record was 35 days back in 2018. It is also worth noting that even during that, it was a “soft shutdown” meaning national parks and monuments were shut down but the entire government was not shut down. During that period, we experienced no interruptions in funding.

As we receive more updates, we will do our best to interpret the news and share with you. The best way to avoid a shutdown is for all of us to communicate with our members of congress and let them know that a shutdown is not acceptable. See [Take Action! online campaign from NHSA].

As is always the case, our best strategy is to control that which is within our control. When we show up each day and do our very best for the children and families we serve, that is the true example of how things should work. Thank you for always doing just that!

March 6, 2025: Thursday
As of 8AM this morning, Head Start's official Facebook and Twitter accounts have been discontinued.
"This account has been discontinued. For all future updates, make sure to follow us at the Administration for Children and Families - ACF! Thank you for your support, and we can't wait to connect with you there! #StayConnected"

This is being done across all federal departments so that information is centralized. There has not been any movement to remove Head Start./Early Head Start We are here providing the same, high quality services to children and families who need us the most.

Latest EO: Executive Order on DOGE - Cost Efficiency Initiative

March 4, 2025: Tuesday
SOURCE: NHSA's Newsletter
February was a busy month on Capitol Hill, as Congress worked to finish Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) appropriations and work began on FY26 funding. At the same time, the GOP majority took its first steps on a special legislative process called “budget reconciliation,” which allows for expedited consideration of certain tax, spending, and debt-limit legislation not subject to filibuster. This was the same process by which the Affordable Care Act, President Donald Trump’s tax cuts, and President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act were all passed.

Here are more of the specifics:

FY25: We are now five months into FY25, yet the government is currently operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR), which keeps programs funded at FY24 levels that’s set to expire on March 14, 2025.
- Why it matters: NHSA is continuing to push for the adoption of the Senate Labor/Health and Human Services (HHS) Appropriations bill, which includes a $700 million increase for Head Start, as opposed to the House bill which includes only an additional $25 million.
- What you can do: Please take action to send this message to your members of Congress, as detailed above.
FY26: While FY25 has yet to be resolved, members of Congress have started working on next year’s funding (FY26).
- Why it matters: NHSA is recommending funding of $14.91 billion for Head Start in FY26, an increase of $1.94 billion over the Senate-approved version of the FY25 Labor/HHS Appropriations bill.
- Go deeper: As outlined in our request, “this investment will provide a cost of living adjustment in line with inflation; allow programs to address critical local quality improvement priorities; and expand recruitment and development of staff for American Indian/Alaska Native programs. In addition, it would fund the demonstrated need for expansion of Head Start and facilities improvement through separate competitive grant programs to be administered by the Office of Head Start.”
Budget Reconciliation: Finally, the House and Senate passed different budget resolutions in February, both of which serve as blueprints that establish overall tax and spending targets.
- Why this matters: They do not set specific funding levels–including for Head Start–and do not have the force of law, but are an important first step toward a “reconciliation” bill where Congress can only focus on budget-related measures, which only need a simple majority of votes to pass the Senate, bypassing the 60-vote threshold needed to advance most other legislation. However, both chambers must pass identical budget resolutions before committees can officially begin crafting legislation that fills in the details.

In mid-February, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Not missing a beat, NHSA immediately sent a welcome letter to Sec. Kennedy to emphasize the critical role Head Start plays in early childhood development and education and in the lives of millions of children, families, and communities over the past 60 years. With priorities around increasing access to healthy foods and nutrition that align closely with the work of Head Start as well as his family connection to Head Start, we believe that the new secretary can be a strong supporter of Head Start.
Why this matters: The letter also invited the secretary to visit a Head Start program or center and witness the high-quality education and services it offers and to partner with NHSA to increase Head Start funding, reduce regulations, and maximize efficiencies.

The “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders” Executive Order (EO) issued last month regarding noncitizen eligibility for federally funded programs attempts to lay out a framework for more detailed documentation of the citizenship/immigration status of every individual receiving public services.
Why this matters: Under current law, Head Start is prohibited from collecting this data. Though Head Start is not covered directly under this EO, more details will be forthcoming next month when federal agencies are required to publish further information, and we are monitoring this issue closely. We are not recommending any change in practice at this time.

March 3, 2025: Monday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2025
Contact: Celia Olivas, Celia_Olivas@duckworth.senate.gov

Duckworth to Host Illinois Head Start Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl at Joint Address, Underscoring How Trump’s Illegal Funding Freeze is Hurting Head Start Lifelines and the Families They Serve

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Executive Director of the Illinois Head Start Association Lauri Morrison-Frichtl will be her guest to President Donald Trump's Joint Address to Congress as part of the Senator’s ongoing efforts to push back against Trump’s illegal funding freeze that continues to inflict needless chaos, confusion and financial pain on Head Start programs and the middle-class families they serve throughout Illinois. With over 37 years of experience with Head Start, Executive Director Morrison-Frichtl is a steadfast leader and advocate for the wellbeing of the thousands of children and families in our state who face the most significant barriers to achieving success in school and in life. Additionally, nearly 70% of Illinois Head Start and Early Head Start parents are in the workforce and rely on Head Start’s programs in order to go to their jobs—allowing them to support their families and contribute to our economy. An official portrait photo of Illinois Head Start Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl can be found on the Senator’s website.

“Despite running on the promise that he would lower costs for middle-class Americans, Donald Trump’s illegal funding freeze is hurting the same families he swore he’d protect by jeopardizing the Head Start programs so many rely on,” Duckworth said. “Leaders like Lauri Morrison-Frichtl are on the frontlines of Trump’s needless chaos—which is continuing to cause irreversible damage and jeopardize Illinois Head Start’s ability to serve thousands of children and families. I’m proud to have Lauri Morrison-Frichtl as my guest to the Joint Address to remind middle-class Americans and this Administration just how critical Head Start services are—not only for working parents trying to make ends meet, but also for the next generation of students. We cannot let Trump and Republicans tear down this lifeline for families in order to fund tax cuts for billionaires—full stop.”

“I am deeply honored to be invited as Senator Duckworth’s guest for the Joint Address to Congress,” said Morrison-Frichtl. “As the Executive Director of the Illinois Head Start Association, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of Head Start in creating safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive and in empowering parents to pursue meaningful employment across the great state of Illinois. However, recent disruptions and uncertainties around federal funding have created significant anxiety and stress among our parents, staff, and communities across Illinois. We are committed to navigating these challenges and ensuring that the bureaucratic hurdles do not undermine the trust that families, staff, and children place in our programs. The work we do is critical. I am honored to work with Senator Duckworth and other elected officials to support our children and families and champion the rights they need and deserve.”

Earlier this month, Duckworth joined Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, parents, teachers and staff at Two Rivers Head Start in Elgin to underscore how Trump’s illegal funding freeze is continuing to cause financial setbacks for Head Start programs in Illinois. As a result, many Head Start agencies across the state remain unsure about how they’ll be able to provide food and resources to the kids in their care or whether they’ll have to shut down altogether.

Lauri Morrison-Frichtl is the Executive Director of the Illinois Head Start Association. With a Master of Science degree in Education from Western Michigan University, Lauri brings over 37 years of experience working with Head Start, Early Head Start, and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs. She has further enriched her professional expertise through participation in the UCLA Johnson & Johnson Management Fellows Program and the Nike Leadership Institute.

In 2019, Lauri was honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award by the Illinois Head Start community. She has also developed local and national training curricula for both Head Start and child care programs. Known for her dedication and passion, Lauri is a compassionate leader who is deeply committed to the mission of Head Start and continually advocates for the success and well-being of children and families served by Illinois Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

February 27, 2025: Thursday
The Federal Budget deadline is around the corner; CR ends March 14. Where is Head Start's funding in all of this? We are still unpacking. In the meantime, we need everyone in our Head Start/Early Head Start community to "Take Action for Head Start". Share this link far and wide, Take Action for Head Start; we strongly suggest using your personal email and take action from your phone. You can complete this every 24 hours!

Readings to Keep You Informed:
New Executive Order Targets Immigrant Families' Access to Essential Program - 2/20/2025_CLASP
Project 2025's Elimination of Head Start Would be Disastrous for Rural Families, Advocates Say - 10/31/2024_The Daily Yonder
Unpacking the Trump Administration's DEI Orders & Actions - FAQs & Action Plans - 2/19/2025_Morrison Foerster

February 26, 2025: Wednesday

Huddle with IHSA this afternoon at 4pm. Zoom link HERE.

A few updates:

The “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) continues to decimate vital government programs through mass firings, administrative leaves, and contract cancellations. Roughly 20% of the staff at both the Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care have been fired, and it is reported that 50% of staff at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may be fired.
An executive order is expected soon to require the U.S. Department of Education to dismantle itself through agency action and legislative recommendations for Congress.
There are only three weeks left before the March 14 deadline for finalizing the FY2025 budget, with no progress in sight after the White House’s freeze of Congressionally-appropriated funding eroded trust between negotiators. Republican negotiators are opposing Democratic demands for assurances that White House will not unilaterally cut Congressionally-appropriated funds.
Andrew Gradison was hired as the Acting Secretary of ACF. Read his bio HERE.
It has been reported that several March 1 and April 1 HS/EHS programs have received their grants back from OHS and have been directed to remove all DEI content from their Narrative, Self Assessment, Community Assessments, Trainings and Budget Areas as soon as possible.

February 25, 2025: Tuesday
This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a blueprint for cutting $2 trillion from the federal budget over the next ten years, including cuts to Medicaid, food assistance (SNAP), and education.

February 21, 2025: Friday
NHSA has an advocacy campaign to "Tell Congress to Invest in Head Start". We need everyone in our Head Start/Early Head Start community to "Take Action for Head Start".
Please share this link far and wide, Take Action for Head Start . We strongly suggest using your personal email and from your phone.
We are tracking how many have submitted their action and not many from IL have "taken action" as of yet. The time is now! WE can't wait.

February 20, 2025: Thursday
The new Executive Order includes a directive to federal agencies that they will, among other things, “identify all federally funded programs administered by the [federal] agency that currently permit illegal aliens to obtain any cash or non-cash public benefit, and, consistent with applicable law, take all appropriate actions to align such programs with the purposes of this order and the requirements of applicable Federal law, including the PRWORA” and “enhance eligibility verification systems, to the maximum extent possible, to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits exclude any ineligible alien who entered the United States illegally or is otherwise unlawfully present in the United States.”

Finally the Executive Order directs that “[w]ithin 30 days of the date of this order, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Administrator of the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Service, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, shall further: (i) identify all other sources of Federal funding for illegal aliens; and (ii) recommend additional agency actions to align Federal spending with the purposes of this order, and, where relevant, enhance eligibility verification systems.”

Read full article HERE.

February 18, 2025: Tuesday
There will be NO Huddle with IHSA tomorrow Wednesday, February 19.
We will be busy celebrating 60 years of Head Start at the Capitol!

February 15, 2025: Saturday
Katie Hamm, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development at Administration for Children and Families (ACF) shared the following on Linkedin -
"[Yesterday] dozens of staff in ACF's early childhood offices received termination notices (Office of Child Care, Office of Early Childhood Development, Office of Head Start). This action will have far reaching and damaging impacts on early care and education in communities across the country. What will it mean? In the short term, slower grant awards, approval for facilities projects, longer timelines for resolving oversight matters, less technical assistance... the list goes on. In the long term, it's an immense loss of talent and subject matter expertise. We have lost dedicated public servants who gave up the prospect of lucrative private sector careers to serve children and families.

I am grateful that organizations like Democracy Forward are pursuing lawsuits to stop this from going forward. In the meantime, the entire early childhood community needs to call Congress and tell them that these reductions in staff will harm children in their communities. This is a backhanded way to cut early childhood programs because it is largely invisible from the American public. If there are not staff to implement programs in the executive branch, it will stifle Congress's ability to fund programs.

On Tuesday, call your Senators and Members of Congress. If you do not know their direct line call (202) 224-3121 and give your location to be connected. Say that you are very concerned to hear that the Administration for Children and Families significantly reduced early childhood staff that work on programs like Head Start and child care. State that this will negatively impact your community. Ask what they will do to restore terminated staff and prevent further cuts."

*Note: Head Start sits under the Administration for Children and Families, which sits within the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

February 14, 2025: Friday
The Trump Administration let go 31 Office of Head Start staff late tonight. Details are still forthcoming.

February 12, 2025: Wednesday
Huddle with IHSA this afternoon at 4pm. Zoom link HERE.

February 11, 2025: Tuesday
LEGAL LAWSUIT AGAINST THE EXECUTIVE ORDER TO FREEZE FUNDING IS UPHELD
In response to the lawsuit led by 22 Democratic states (including Illinois), the Defendants (Trump) must comply with the plain text of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) not to pause any funds based on pronouncements pausing funding incorporated into the Office of Management & Budget (OMB) Directive, like Section 7(a) of the Unleashing Executive Order, and the OMB Unleashing Guidance. The TRO requirements include any pause or freeze included in the Unleashing Guidance.

Legal experts noted the president is explicitly forbidden from cutting off spending for programs that Congress has approved. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to appropriate money and requires the executive to pay it out. A 50-year-old law known as the Impoundment Control Act makes that explicit by prohibiting the president from halting payments on grants or other programs approved by Congress. Read full TRO HERE.

What to Watch Out For...

The Senate confirmed Russell Vought, key author of Project 2025, as White House Budget Director of OMB.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to be confirmed as the Secretary of Human & Health Services this week.
The short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) ends on March 14th, the deadline to pass the FY2025 Budget. Other options include another CR or a government shutdown.

February 8, 2025: Saturday
Governor JB Pritzker joins Senator Duckworth to discuss the impact of Trump's federal funding cuts on Head Start programs at Two Rivers Head Start in Elgin.
Watch the Press Conference HERE.

News Articles:
Critical Childcare Programs Being Impacted by Trump's Federal Funding Freeze
Some Head Start Programs Still Having Trouble Accessing Federal Money After Trump Funding Freeze

February 7, 2025: Friday
IHSA is hosting weekly Huddle with IHSA on Wednesdays at 4pm. This is a time for IHSA's Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl to provide current updates and information, gather intel, and strategize next steps. Next huddle is Wednesday, February 12. Link HERE.

News Articles:
Several Illinois Head Start Programs Still Can't Access Federal Funds & Could Shut Down
Head Start Child Care Programs are Still Unable to Access Federal Money After Trump's Funding Freeze

February 6, 2025: Thursday
5:06PM
NHSA's Press Release: Ongoing Issues Accessing Federal Grant Funds Continue to Impact Head Start Programs

11:31AM
HeadStart.gov is back up and running.

9:24AM
HeadStart.gov (formerly known as ECLKC) has been taken down. It is not accessible.
According to the Feds, Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) will be temporarily unavailable due to scheduled maintenance on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM EST.

February 4, 2025: Tuesday
There are still a handful of Head Start programs whose funds have not shown up in their account. Legal action is still pending and a temporary injunction is still in effect.

February 3, 2025: Monday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2025
CONTACT: Janine Kritschgau, 202-365-2176
KAINE LEADS LETTER TO HHS OFFICIALS DEMANDING ANSWERS AND ACTION ON DISRUPTION TO HEAD START PROGRAMS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led a group of his colleagues in issuing a letter to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Dorothy A. Fink, M.D. and Acting Director of the Office of Head Start Captain Tala Hooban expressing concern about the acute financial impacts and lingering uncertainty faced by Head Start programs in Virginia and across the country as a result of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memo that imposed a government-wide hiring freeze.

While the White House later clarified that Head Start would not be targeted by the funding freeze and the OMB later rescinded memo, Head Start programs were temporarily unable to access the Payment Management System (PMS) to use their allocated federal funds. As a result, Head Start programs nationwide have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner – imperiling their ability to pay staff and keep educational and child care programs up and running.

“Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards,” wrote the senators. “This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the child care options.”

“Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds,” the senators continued.

In addition to Kaine, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Richard J. Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).

The full text of the letter is available here

January 29, 2025: Wednesday
Federal Pause Rescinded. Memorandum HERE.

January 28, 2025: Tuesday
WHAT HAPPENED

In an attempt to review all Federal spending, President Trump's administration directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Tuesday to start the process of pausing and freezing federal funds, grants, and loans. With minimal guidance or explanation, federal programs across the nation was in a frenzy to try to understand what this meant for their programs and services. Including Head Start.

Clarity was issued in the afternoon when OMB released guidance citing, "Funds for small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, rental assistance, and other similar programs will not be paused."

As of 5pm Tuesday night, most Head Start programs were reported to be able to access the Payment Management System (PMS) to draw down their funds and continue providing payroll to staff and services to their families and children.

IHSA's RESPONSE
It just so happened that IHSA's Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl was in Washington D.C. starting that Monday to meet with Congress people at Capital Hill on behalf of Head Start's future. She was where she was needed to be! Because as soon as this intent went public, she jumped into a cab directed for the Capital and met with Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Tammy Duckworth right away. Together, the three worked furiously to contact Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Deputy Governor of Education Martin Torres and get them on board to fight this. By 8:30am, the State of Illinois was aware of the threat, worked up a plan to block the freeze, and made it known to the public of what was going on. It is of no accident that Governor Pritzker mentioned and defended Head Start several times in his debriefing meetings with the public and news interviews. Lauri's quick response to bring attention the threat to Head Start's funding helped prioritize it on the Governor's agenda.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN

Federal government ultimately rescinded its attempt to freeze federal funding and loans. But this is only temporary. The White House warned that it will continue to seek ways to cut funding for federal programs that have already been approved by Congress, taking away vital support that families need.
For now, Head Start programs can continue to provide early childhood education and care for Head Start children and comprehensive services to its families.
Collective advocacy is effective, and powerful. The mass outcry over the real harm to our Head Start families led to the rescinding of the order.
Under the U.S. Constitution, federal law, and previous court decisions, the White House does not have the authority to withhold appropriated funds indefinitely. Only Congress may make federal appropriations.