REP.ANDREWS SECURES $9.7 MILLION GRANT AWARD TO AID HEAD START PROGRAM  FOR CAMDEN COUNTY'S COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

On February 8, 2005, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notified my office that the Camden County Council on Economic Development, (OEO) was awarded $9.7 million in grant funding for the Head Start Program and for services that aid individuals with disabilities. On behalf of the First Congressional District of New Jersey, it was my pleasure to support OEO's grant proposal. Headstart is a Child Development Program funded by the federal government to service children ages three to five years old. Specifically, this grant award will help South Jersey families secure necessary health, nutrition, parenting skills, mental health and handicapped services. In just Camden County alone, today more than 1300 children benefit from the services of the Headstart Program.

Over the years, while serving as your Representative in Congress, I have continued to support the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of our nation's young children. The Headstart Program achieves this goal by educating the young minds of our nation's future while simultaneously enhancing their growth in a nurturing environment. Grant funding is imperative for OEO to continue its great work in providing the children and families of South Jersey with the necessary support they need.

While I agree with the President's position that the deficit must be reduced to effectively improve our country's economy, I am opposed to the Administration's budget proposal which supports cutting educational programs that advance the health and well being of future generations of Americans.

As the 109th Congress begins to debate the Administration's budget proposal, please be assured that I will work with my colleagues to preserve necessary programs like Headstart to ensure that South Jersey's children possess the necessary tools to become productive citizens in our communities.

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