Washington, DC - Congressman Towns released a report today on the thousands of Brooklyn children living in the 10th Congressional district who would be harmed by the radical Republican plan to overhaul Head Start.  The Head Start program provides low-income preschool children with educational instruction and assists them with a variety of social and medical needs to ensure that they have an opportunity to succeed academically.

"I like to call this program 'even chance'," said Congressman Towns.  "That's because Head Start children need these supportive services to have an 'even chance' at succeeding in school as those children who already have regular check-ups, dental care, and enough food on the table.  I am deeply disappointed that the President and Republicans in Congress would push for a proposal that would jeopardize the health and academic well-being of these children."

There are currently 33 head start programs in the 10th Congressional which provide services to 3,046 children.  The vast majority of these children are living in families that receive public assistance or have incomes below the federal poverty line.  However, due to the success of the program, 98 percent of Head Start children enrolled in the 10th district receive primary health care and continuous dental care.

"The research evidence is clear," said Towns.  "Head Start narrows the gap between disadvantaged children and other children in vocabulary, writing skills, and social behavior.  Head Start children are less likely to repeat a grade and they are more likely to graduate from high school and college. 

"I can't understand why the President wants to change this very successful program," Towns continued.  "I am going to fight as hard as I can to make sure Head Start remains as strong as ever."

The Republican proposal would turn Head Start into a block grant program, which would enable states to divert Head Start funds to other programs that do not have federal requirements for providing health care and social services benefits.  As a result, many of the children who live in the 10 Congressional District who receive care under Head Start may not receive these benefits.  

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