Nebraska senator plans legislation to protect Head Start programs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 17:40 · Archive

A Nebraska state senator is preparing legislation to write Head Start programs into state law.

State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney is preparing legislation next year to bring Nebraska's Head Start programs into state statute, citing growing uncertainty about long-term federal support. Clouse introduced Legislative Resolution 472 earlier this year to examine existing programmes and lay groundwork for future legislation. The resolution was discussed at a public hearing before the Nebraska Legislature's Education Committee on Wednesday.

Head Start, a federal programme for children in low-income families that began in 1965, currently serves about 5,500 Nebraska children across 37 programmes statewide. The programme serves expectant mothers and children through age 5, offering family support, developmental screenings and access to medical and dental services. Head Start is currently not referenced in Nebraska statutes. The programme is funded 80% by the federal government, with local governments contributing the remaining 20%.

Jill Bomberger, Head Start director for Lancaster and Saunders counties, told the committee that local partnerships are critical as individual programmes adjust services based on consultations with parent leaders. Multiple testifiers said establishing the programme in statute would ease concerns and provide stability for participating families and staff, particularly as concerns grow about the continuation of federal aid. Mitchell Clark, policy adviser for First Five Nebraska, said the aim is to 'provide some of that stability, get it defined'.

How it is being reported

• Kearney senator preparing legislation to bring state into regulations for Head Start programsState Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney said he is hoping to bring legislation next year that would officially bring Nebraska’s Head Start programs into state statute amid growing uncertainty about long-term federal support.WOWT · 29 Oct, 17:02
• Kearney senator preparing legislation to bring state into regulations for Head Start programsState Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney said he is hoping to bring legislation next year that would officially bring Nebraska’s Head Start programs into state statute amid growing uncertainty about long-term federal support.1011Now · 29 Oct, 17:02

In this story: Stan Clouse · Nebraska · Jill Bomberger · First Five Nebraska · Lancaster and Saunders counties

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