WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Head Start Improvement Act, which would improve the Head Start program by eliminating bureaucracy and giving money directly to states through block grants. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced companion legislation in the Senate, and both bills are supported by Heritage Action.
Said Rep. Jim Banks: “Washington bureaucrats can’t possibly know how to best serve children in Indiana, Utah, or any state beyond the beltway. My bill with Senator Mike Lee decentralizes Head Start and gives more decision-making power back to the local leaders and parents who are better equipped to serve children in our communities.”
Said Senator Mike Lee: “This bill would ensure that those closest to our children—parents, teachers, and local officials—have the autonomy to tailor educational opportunities that meet the unique needs of their communities. This legislation is about trusting Americans to know what’s best for their families rather than mandating one-size-fits-all solutions from Washington.”
Said Heritage Action: “As usual, burdensome red tape has turned a well-meaning program into one that fails children and is a bad investment for taxpayers—keeping control of education out of local hands, where it belongs. Big government is holding the Head Start program back instead of sending resources directly to families, schools, and communities that need them most. Heritage Action thanks Rep. Banks and Sen. Lee for their work to get the government out of the way so students can get ahead.”
The Head Start Improvement Act:
- Block grants the Head Start funds directly to states, territories, and federally recognized Indian Tribes.
- Eligible grantees receive an allotment of the Head Start funds in proportion to the number of children aged 3-5 from families with incomes below 100% of the poverty line residing within the state.
- Requires states to provide a 20% match to all federal funds granted.
- Allows states to use funding for state school choice programs.
- Requires all funds to be used for prekindergarten education, administration of the programs, and to provide direct technical assistance, oversight, monitoring, research and training.
- Directs the Comptroller General to submit a report to Congress comparing the different approaches used by the grant recipients.
Find the bill text HERE.
