Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - During a visit to Western New York on Friday, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand stopped by the Ferry Academy Head Start Program in Buffalo to condemn President Donald Trump’s plan to eliminate Head Start.
President Trump budget’s request for Fiscal Year 2026 reportedly aims to eliminate all funding for the Head Start program.
Federal funding allows 20 Head Start centers in Buffalo and Niagara Counties that serve over 1,200 children to operate. Without this funding, Head Start centers across New York and around the country will be forced to close their doors, which will deprive low-income children of critical early childhood education that gives them the tools to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
“Head Start helps make sure that every child has a chance to thrive,“ said Sen. Gillibrand on Friday. “It is an investment in our kids and our future that has been proven time and time again to be highly effective at preparing children for school and improving both their social and physical health outcomes. President Trump’s proposal to eliminate funding for Head Start would hurt the kids and families most in need - including the 50,000 Head Start attendees in New York alone. I will do everything in my power to fight this effort and preserve funding for this vital program through the next fiscal year and beyond.”
President Trump has also attempted to diminish Head Start through a number of executive actions that are making it harder for Head Start centers to stay up and running, including closing regional offices that help administer the program, laying off staff, and withholding already authorized funding.
“It is becoming far too common, since the new administration has taken over the White House, where I have stated, ‘this is bad policy.’ Cutting funding for or disrupting Head Start programs across the country is another example of bad policy,” said New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes during Friday's press conference. “We have already seen what a funding freeze has done to Head Start programs in the Southern Tier. Cutting funding or eliminating Head Start programs puts an undue burden on families as well as eliminates early childhood education jobs. This is an unacceptable policy, and I applaud and stand with Sen. Gillibrand and Head Start organizations fighting to keep these programs alive.”
Head Start programs provide low-income children from birth to age 5 with comprehensive child development programs, as well as support and services for families. The services Head Start and Early Head Start offer include early education, health screenings, promoting social and emotional health, nutrition, connection to other social services, and services for children with disabilities.
“It’s outrageous that this administration wants to take resources away from children, low-income families, and people with disabilities – the most vulnerable individuals in society – in order to pad their billionaire friends’ pockets with massive tax cuts,” said Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart on Friday. “For over 60 years, the Head Start program has helped millions of disadvantaged children and parents, including those facing poverty and homelessness. In our community alone, thousands depend on Head Start programs for childcare, health services, and early education - programs which make all the difference between local families struggling and thriving.”
Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve over 50,000 children in New York State.