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H.R. 728: Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025

The Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025 aims to modify the definition of "public assistance" within the Head Start Act. This adjustment will expand the categories of public assistance programs that make individuals eligible for Head Start services. The proposed bill includes several key components:

Expanded Definition of Public Assistance

The bill proposes to include various federal assistance programs as qualifying for Head Start eligibility. Specifically, the following programs would be recognized:

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program)
Federal housing assistance

By broadening the definition of public assistance, the bill seeks to allow more families who rely on these support programs to access Head Start services, which provide early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to low-income children and their families.

Implications for Head Start Programs

If passed, this bill may increase enrollment in Head Start programs by making it easier for families receiving these types of public assistance to qualify. This could enhance the services available to children from low-income families and help close educational and developmental gaps that disadvantaged children often face.

Legislative Process

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 24, 2025, by Mr. Garamendi and several cosponsors. It has been referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.

Funding and Administrative Considerations

While the bill outlines eligibility changes, it does not specify additional funding mechanisms or administrative changes required to implement the expanded eligibility criteria. This could lead to discussions among lawmakers about how to adequately support Head Start programs while managing increased enrollment effectively.