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Lake County supervisors approve letter opposing federal budget actions that could reduce Head Start funding
Summary
The Lake County Board of Supervisors approved a letter of opposition related to federal budget actions that local officials and program leaders say could put Head Start funding at risk; the board authorized the chair to sign the letter by voice vote.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors on Monday approved a letter of opposition related to proposed federal budget actions that county staff and local Head Start leaders said could threaten Head Start funding, and authorized the chair to sign the letter.
Board members and county staff said Head Start and Early Head Start provide services that extend beyond childcare and that local programs rely on stable federal funding. County staff recommended the board approve the letter after discussions with North Coast Opportunities, which operates some Head Start slots in Lake County.
Dan McIntyre, chief executive officer of North Coast Opportunities, told the board that federal funding for Head Start is “at risk” while Congress has not passed a full budget resolution. McIntyre said the program does more than provide early care and education and “it really allows these parents to break the cycle of poverty and move on, continue their education and employment.”
Matthew Rothstein, chief deputy county administrative officer, told the board that “more than 200 Lake County children and their families benefit from Lake County Head Start programs,” and that county staff appreciate the board’s ongoing support for upstream programs intended to give families a leg up.
Board President Sabatier said she hoped Congress would restore or preserve services in a final budget but acknowledged uncertainty in early budget documents. “So, today I’m happy to approve this letter,” Sabatier said before the board reviewed public comment.
No members of the public spoke on the item during the meeting. A supervisor moved to approve the letter and authorize the chair to sign; another member seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote and the chair was authorized to sign the letter.
The item was presented as Agenda item 7.3; county staff and North Coast Opportunities worked with federal lobbyists in recent months to prepare background materials and the draft letter. The county did not provide a specific dollar figure for the funding at risk during the discussion, and board members noted the uncertainty depends on the outcome of actions in Congress.
