After an early draft of President Donald Trump’s budget threatened to defund the Head Start program, Jennifer Garner leapt into action to lobby congress and save the program that serves millions of children and families struggling to make ends meet. Reporting for TODAY, NBC’s Jacob Soboroff joins Garner for a closer look at the organization and how it provides children with vital educational services, access to food and a safe space.
Federal Update – Monday, May 5th, 2025
On Friday, May 2nd, 2025 the Administration released it’s “skinny budget” which does not outline specific program funding levels, including for Head Start, but does offer a framework of spending for Federal Fiscal Year 2026.
While no funding level for Head Start has been proposed at this stage, what is significant is that Head Start is not among the programs listed for elimination within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). However, the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) for children ages 0-5, which is awarded to states, along with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a $4.1 billion program that helps low-income Americans pay their heating and cooling bills, and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) are also proposed for elimination.
Starting on page 9 of the Office of Management and Budget, May 2, 2025 – you can read in greater detail about the President’s spending plan. Or go to the White House website – The President’s FY 2026 Discretionary budget Request
As detailed by the graphic from the House Budget Committee, the next major step in the process will be the hearings by the US House and Senate Committees. We expect this to begin in the month of June.
The Fight to Protect Head Start Continues – Given the events of last week, we must continue to engage our community – parents, staff, vendors, community partners and allies. As shared by the National Head Start Association last week; “Until a funding bill is passed by Congress and signed by the president, we call on our community — and all who value the vital role of Head Start — to keep urging lawmakers to prioritize these programs in the appropriations process. We will continue our efforts until there is clear assurance that Head Start and its related services are fully protected in FY26 and beyond.”