The BareStory
An ongoing government shutdown will cause federal funding to be cut for approximately 140 Head Start programs across the country starting November 1, a development that is expected to affect around 65,000 children. Some facilities have already begun to close, including one in Richland Center, Wisconsin, which shut its doors on Friday, resulting in a teacher being temporarily laid off.
Head Start provides free early childhood education, nutrition, and health services to low-income families. According to Jennie Mauer, the executive director of the Wisconsin Head Start Association, most Head Start families in the state are employed and rely on the programs for childcare. The senior director of the Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program, Chris Frakes, predicted that hunger in the local community would increase by 100%. Community organizers stated they are working to ensure children do not go without food.
The funding interruption for Head Start coincides with the expiration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which is set to occur on Saturday and will affect millions of Americans. In response to the SNAP suspension, half of the states and the District of Columbia have reportedly filed a lawsuit against the administration this week.
The government shutdown is set to tie the record for the longest in U.S. history at 34 days, as the Senate has recessed for the weekend following more than a dozen unsuccessful votes on funding. Republicans and Democrats have publicly blamed each other for the impasse. GOP Sen. Joni Ernst stated that Democrats should vote to open the government. On Thursday, President Trump used a social media post to call on Senate Republicans to change the 60-vote filibuster rule, an idea most in his party have opposed. Democrats are reportedly focused on the start of Affordable Care Act enrollment, believing potential health insurance premium changes could pressure Republicans into negotiations.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• Low-income working families may lose access to childcare from Head Start closures, which could affect their ability to work.
• The loss of Head Start nutrition services and expiration of SNAP benefits may increase food insecurity for thousands of children and millions of Americans.
• The shutdown could affect health insurance premiums during ACA enrollment, while the political deadlock has prompted calls to change Senate voting rules.
