Rochester’s ABC Head Start Could Be On Trump’s Budget Cuts List

A number of federally supported programs aimed at helping families in need are at risk under President Trump’s proposed budget. This includes expected cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits. However, there’s also uncertainty surrounding Head Start programs, which offer education and child care for low-income families. Just over one week ago, House Republicans passed President Trump’s federal spending plan, which includes sweeping cuts to various supports for low-income families across the U.S. That previously included Head Start, which is an early childhood program for families in need. The program no longer appears to be eliminated, as the President once called for.

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“It is one of the preeminent early childhood education systems in this country. Yes, it is targeted for people experiencing low incomes. No matter where you are in the country, those families look different,” said Jerome Underwood, who serves as president and CEO for Action for a Better Community. Action for a Better Community runs Head Start in the Greater Rochester area. The local program services nearly 800 children and employs 200 people. Head Start is entirely reliant on federal funding. Locally, that consists of nearly $19 million, which is then spent back in Rochester and Monroe County.

“Rochester’s poverty data is daunting. There are many, many people here living on economic margins. To further exacerbate that by reducing in some cases, or eliminating in other cases, some of these federal programs, which will have a trickle-down effect to the states. It will have a devastating impact, not just on the people we serve,” said Underwood. In the last month, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has voiced her concerns to protect the program, as Head Start centers have already closed nationwide. Underwood says his focus lies on a variety of other resources his agency is responsible for, adding it’s a matter of keeping an eye on what’s in the federal budget and what’s out.

“We’re talking about people’s lives and livelihood. We’re talking about the people who work here and work at our partner agencies,” said Underwood, “The environment right now is filled with uncertainty and that’s a very difficult environment to run a business and run an agency.” The federal spending plan is now before the U.S. Senate for review. Republican leaders have expressed intent to move it forward, with a goal of delivering it back to the President’s desk for signature by July 4.

Source: Rochester First