Federal funding delays under the Trump administration have led to the closure of Head Start preschool classrooms for low-income children, with nearly $1 billion less distributed compared to this time last year, according to Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.).
Between January 1 and April 16, the federal government has released $1.6 billion for Head Start, down from $2.55 billion during the same period in 2023. Murray blamed the shortfall on “slow-walked” disbursements despite funding approved by Congress.
At Inspire Development Centers in Sunnyside, Washington, more than 400 children lost access to classrooms and 70 staff were laid off due to the delay. The centers will remain closed until funding resumes.
This follows federal employee layoffs and regional office closures at the Department of Health and Human Services. Advocates warn the cuts have disrupted grant processing nationwide.
Head Start, founded under Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, has historically received bipartisan support. However, Trump-aligned Project 2025 proposes eliminating the program entirely.
Sources
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