Children's Programs Cut in New Federal Budget

02/11/2005

Children's Programs Cut in New Federal Budget

"Nothing is more conducive to peace of mind than not having any opinion at all." - G. C. Lictenberg

Children's Programs Cut in New Federal Budget

On Monday President Bush released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2006. According to the latest "NAEYC Update and Alert," this budget includes "dramatic cuts to children's education, health, nutrition and other domestic programs". Here are some examples of specific budget proposals:

* Head Start would receive only a $45 million increase, which is proposed for only 9 states, leaving the balance of the programs without even an inflation increase.

* The Child Care and Development Block Grant, which hasn't seen an increase in three years, would once again experience flat funding.

* Even Start would be eliminated.

* 21st Century Community Learning Centers (after school programs) would be cut to last year's level.

For more details on the budget proposal and NAEYC's reaction to it, go to:

https://www.naeyc.org/about/releases/20050207.asp

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