Senator Amy Klobuchar

Working for the People of Minnesota

Press Contact

Joel Gross
Press Secretary
(202) 224-3244

News Releases

Klobuchar Helps Minnesota Youth Prepare for the Future Through Early Childhood Education

Klobuchar backs bipartisan bill to reauthorize successful Head Start program

November 14, 2007

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today voted in support of the Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, which authorizes over $22 billion to help give children around the nation the help they need to succeed in school and beyond.  The bill passed the Senate today with overwhelming support today by a vote of 95-0.

“For forty years Head Start has proven that it works – that education is the key to the future, and that quality early childhood education pays off,” said Klobuchar.  “This will ensure we invest early in children, and give them every opportunity to learn, develop, and grow into productive and engaged citizens.”

Each year, approximately 15,000 Minnesota families benefit from the Minnesota Head Start program. The legislation passed today will likely increase that number substantially by making the program more accessible, allowing families that make under $26,800 – or 130 percent below the federal poverty level – to enroll in Head Start.  The bill will also provide additional funding for Minnesota’s Head Start program, which currently receives approximately $83 million annually in federal funding, in addition to over $19 million in state funding.

The bill authorizes over $22 billion for Head Start over three years, and requires that 40 percent of the funds be set aside to improve program quality, including increasing salaries for Head Start teachers.

The bill passed in the House of Representatives today by a vote of 381-36 and now goes to the President desk for final passage.

###

Senator Klobuchar’s Offices

302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main Line: 202-224-3244
Main Fax: 202-228-2186
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Main Line: 612-727-5220
Main Fax: 612-727-5223
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1134 7th Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Main Line: 507-288-5321
Fax: 507-288-2922

121 4th Street South
Moorhead, MN 56560
Main Line: 218-287-2219
Fax: 218-287-2930

Olcott Plaza, Suite 105
820 9th Street North
Virginia, MN 55792
Main Line: 218-741-9690
Fax: 218-741-3692