Kagen Applauds Recovery Act Funding For Green Bay Head Start Program

(GREEN BAY, WI)  Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is working hard to make investing in the education of our children a key component of our nation’s economic recovery.  Head Start in Green Bay will receive $163,657 through a Recovery Act grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

“As we build a 21st Century economy in Northwest Wisconsin and across the country, we must make an investment in education so our children can build a better future,” Dr. Kagen said.   “This is the right thing to do for our local economies and the right thing to do for future generations.”

The grant supplies $42,342 to defray the cost of transporting children ages 3-5 years to Head Start facilities in Green Bay.  One of the program’s biggest costs, transportation outlays rose an average of 7% over the last four years, at the same time classrooms is have been relocated farther from the homes of qualified children and their families.

“Transportation has become a challenge for all low-income families and without it our daily attendance would be reduced dramatically, Head Start Director Sally Jansen said. “These funds will allow us to maintain the quality services to Head Start children in the Green Bay area.”

An additional $121,315 will finance development of additional language development class rooms.

Head Start’s national mission is to help children from low-income families start school ready to learn. Head Start believes children learn best when all factors within their environment are addressed. This includes working with parents to assess and identify personal and family needs. Areas of

Through the Recovery Act, Wisconsin’s Head Start programs captured $9,700,00.

“The Recovery Act is transformation legislation and I am working hard to make sure we are investing our hard-earned tax dollars right here at home,” Kagen added