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eNews Online Edition | Illinois Head Start AssociationReauthorization At Stand Still There has not been any movement on Head Start Reauthorization during the last several weeks. We do know that Policy Council remains uncertain. IHSA supports the House Bill language because it maintains current governance structure of Head Start, except for the hiring and firing of the program director. The Senate Bill language reduces the policy council to an advisory role. Your Senate and House Congressional Members need to hear from you. Let them know the positive impact shared governance has for children and families. This is a cornerstone of Head Start! The other issue that has surfaced over the last couple of weeks is in regard to the income eligibility changes. IHSA has strongly encouraged Congress to update our income eligibility threshold to 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The Senate Bill language on this issue is preferred. We need to let our congressional members know that we are still here and waiting for them to do what is right for Illinois children and families living in poverty. If we don’t have movement on Reauthorization during the next month it won’t happen this year or in 08. We will have to wait until 09 to work on Reauthorization again. It is critical to stay in touch with your Congressional Members of Congress. To reach your member of Congress, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or look them up on congress.org.
Funding Increase in JeopardyMore immediate concerns arose last week as President Bush has threatened to veto the federal spending bill for FY08 that includes Head Start. Currently the House of Representatives spending plan includes a $75 million increase, the US Senate plan provides for $200 million and the President's proposal from last February called for no increase, or flat funding for FY 08. Head Start funding is appropriated under the Labor HHS Education bill (S. 1710 & HR 3043) (http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app08.html). The President's recent veto of Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) reinforces this concern. Mr. Bush had stated "Congressional leaders have put forward an irresponsible plan that would dramatically expand this program beyond its original intent." Both Head Start's re-authorization and appropriations may be caught in this crossfire. Clearly the threat to veto Congressional authorizations and spending bills with increased spending no longer can be taken lightly.
Preschool For All ChildrenState Board of Education is currently negotiating budgets with prospective FY08 PSFA grant awards and should release recipients of grants in early November. Two hundred and eighty-two PSFA grants were submitted to ISBE and most indicated they would serve children in category one. IECAM data was utilized to determine or target communities of greatest need. A Sad Day for Illinois Head Start
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Federal Bill Number & Author |
H.R.3289 (Hirono) |
S. 1374 (Casey) |
S. 1823 (Clinton) |
| Eligible Children | States may use up to 50% of funds to expand state-funded preschool programs with priority for expansion to communities with high concentrations of low income children | Prioritizes children from families with incomes under 200% FPL | Prioritizes children from families with incomes under 200% FPL and those who are limited English proficient. |
| State Bill Number & Author | AB 1236 (Mullin) |
AB 571 (Jones) | |
| Eligible Children | Universal access to 4 year old children. | Expansion of Access to Preschool - No specific content |
October 2007 Announcements
Here are important IHSA announcements below.
Building Bridges Out of Poverty
- Springfield - November 15-16, 2007
- Chicago - December 4-5, 2007
IHSA Annual Parent Institute
- Chicago – December 3-4, 2007
SAVE THE DATE!
IHSA Annual March Conference
- Springfield – March 5-7, 2007
Check Out the 07 – 08 Training Calendar on the IHSA Website
<insert snippet Calendar Page here>
New this fall! Interested in Joining the IHSA Book Club Cafe?
The two books currently being read by the Illinois Head Start community are “Ready or Not – Leadership Choices in Early Care and Education" by Stacie G. Goffin and Valora Washington AND “From the Inside Out – The Power of Reflection and Self-Awareness” by Paula Jorde Bloom.
A conference call to discuss each book will be arranged in December. This conversation will apply to your current scope of work.
It’s not too late! We still have several books left and will send to you for the cost of the book and shipping.
Call or email the IHSA Office to begin your journey!
Phone: (217) 241-3511