RUTLAND, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week toured a Head Start Center in Rutland to hear from teachers and program employees about the impact the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to Head Start would have on Vermont families that rely on the program for education, childcare, resources, and work. 

“The Trump Administration has set its sights on eliminating the Head Start program since day one. But what this administration doesn’t seem to understand is that getting rid of services offered through Head Start does not eliminate the need of families in Vermont and across the country. Instead, it shifts the burden to families, state programs, and other wraparound services,” said Senator Welch. “I’ll keep fighting in Washington to protect Head Start and ensure it can continue serving families exactly how Congress intended.”

Last year, Senator Welch joined 21 Senate colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration regarding delays in disbursing Head Start funds, which the Government Accountability Office found violated the Impoundment Control Act. The Senators also called for immediate clarification on authorization of the delays, legal rationale, and measures to prevent recurrence, as well as assurances that Head Start programs can continue providing inclusive services for children with disabilities. 

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