Trump administration cuts to Head Start programs in proposed budget
The Brief
A proposed budget by the Trump administration would cut funding for Head Start programs.
Many were shocked to see funding eliminated from the program when a draft budget by the Trump administration was leaked.
There are more than 1,200 Head Start programs across Texas and 50,000 parents in the state rely on Head Start childcare to be able to work or attend college.
WASHINGTON D.C. - A proposed budget by the Trump administration would cut funding for Head Start programs.
Experts say that would have a negative ripple effect across the country and here in Texas on everything from child health and development, to jobs.
There are more than 1,200 Head Start programs across Texas and 50,000 parents in the state rely on Head Start childcare to be able to work or attend college.
Due to rapid brain development, the first five years of a child's life will shape the remainder of his or her life in profound ways.
Kim Kofron is the director of early childhood education for Children at Risk. A non-profit organization focused on safety, health and economic security for Texas children.
She says the return on investment in early childhood education is profound.
It's why many were shocked to see funding eliminated from the program when a draft budget by the Trump administration was leaked.
What they're saying
"If we pull funding from Head Start, we are not trimming the fat, but we are cutting into the bone of our future," said Kofron. "It reduces crime, it improves health options and health outcomes, strengthens families and fuels our economy."
Dr. Deborah Bergeron says during her time working with the first Trump administration, there was increased funding for a head-start.
"I want to first lead with saying I actually led the Office of Head Start for President Trump's first term and during that time, I experienced nothing but full support," said Bergeron.
Dr. Bergeron says the program that also provides for mental and oral health is much more than an educational program.
"The response during COVID was just amazing. We were able to support programs, programs stayed open, children continued to eat healthful food and receive support services," said Bergeron.
The proposed cuts would not just impact children.
Head Start programs in Texas employ 19,000 childhood educators.
"When they enter Head Start, yes, their parents are experiencing poverty. They may be experiencing homelessness or other issues. But Head Start gives them the foundation to lift up and out of that situation. So ultimately, those children are no longer reliant on government services. This is exactly in line with the priorities of this administration," said Bergeron.
Local perspective
Kriston Jackson-Jones is with a child care group in Dallas.
"What we know is what we know. The early childhood workforce is already in crisis in Texas and nationally. Cutting Head Start will turn the shortage into a collapse," said Jackson-Jones. "Simply put, this cut would add to unemployment and shrink the Texas economy."
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Yahoo Finance's Allie Canal breaks down what to look out for and how President Trump's tariffs are impacting what consumers are now paying for goods and services. Read more here. Now that the US-China trade truce is back on track, both sides are keen to ensure it stays that way. China's Vice Premier He Lifeng said both sides need to now 'show the spirit of good faith in abiding by their commitments and jointly safeguard the hard-won results of the dialogue.' Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Despite the US-China trade truce resuming the pain from President Trump's tariffs remains in China, especially among small exporters. Reuters reports: Read more here. Japan warned Wednesday that tariffs threaten its economic growth, the government said in a monthly report. Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. A federal appeals could said on Tuesday that President Trump's sweeping tariffs can continue for now. This is a significant win for Trump, who introduced tariffs back in March and declared "Liberation Day," as he saw them as a way to free the US from what he called unfair trade practices. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Early summer sales for Inditex, the owner of fashion retailer Zara, came in weaker, as the company missed expectations for first quarter sales on Wednesday. President Trump's tariffs have impacted consumer demand in the US and other major markets. Reuters reports: Read more here. After weeks of back and forth, the US and China have agreed on a framework to implement the Geneva consensus that helped ease tariffs. The breakthrough came after two days of talks in London, including a marathon session on Tuesday. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said both sides had to "get the negativity out" before making progress. 'Now we can go forward to try to do positive trade, growing trade,' he said. As part of the deal, Beijing has promised to speed up shipments of rare earth metals, a crucial component for global auto and defense industries. Washington will ease export controls. This marks the first sign of movement on key issues. The proposal will now be presented to President Trump and China's Xi. Still, the discussions also did little to resolve a long-standing issue: China's trade surplus with the US. 'Markets will likely welcome the shift from confrontation to coordination,' said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Markets. 'We're not out of the woods yet — it's up to Trump and Xi to approve and enforce the deal.' The meeting was set up after a phone call between the two leaders, following weeks of each side accusing the other of breaking the Geneva commitments. Both countries had used chips, rare earths, student visas and ethane as bargaining tools. 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