February 1, 2012 issue Dear Friends of Head Start, I am writing to bring you up to date on federal budget developments that took place during the holidays that affect Head Start and Early Head Start. On December 16, 2011, the House and Senate announced a 2012 funding proposal for the federal government that included a $409 million dollar increase for Head Start and Early Head Start. It passed both the House and Senate and President Obama signed it into law Friday, December 23. This means that the 1.5% across-the-board expenditure reductions that were widely expected will not occur. The Office of Head Start will soon release guidance for programs that made accommodations for the expected reductions.  The increase for Head Start and Early Head Start ensures that no children added through recent expansion will be cut and all of their slots will be made permanent in the overall Head Start funding formula. In a time of deep and painful cuts, Head Start has emerged as a priority of Congress and of the President. And it’s all because of you! This outcome would not have been possible without your hard work. Since last summer, you’ve hosted members of Congress and their staffs at your centers, attended town hall meetings, signed petitions, sent letters, and made phone calls to Congress. In the last weeks of 2011, you sent more than 10,500 emails to your elected officials! You have our deepest thanks for all your efforts, and while our Head Start children may be too young to understand what this funding decision means, as adults they will find that the Window of Opportunity that was opened for them shaped their lives. Thank you again for all your hard work and your willingness to raise your voice for children! Sincerely, Yasmina Vinci Executive Director Letters to the Publisher © An African American POV Our Online Community Newspaper AFAM POV I want to thank you so much for your support and coverage in the Point of View this month! (POV, January 1, 2012, “Project Rebuild: Restoring Our Communities and Revitalizing Our Economy”) I am bringing a copy with me to DC next week where I have meetings at the Rebuilding Together national office with Gary Officer. Thanks again and Happy New Year! Best regards, Colleen S. Loveless Executive Director Rebuilding Together It’s never too late to say thank you . . . We thank you very much for the story in Point of View about the Ubora presentation (POV, October 1, 2011, “Ubora Award and Ahadi Youth Award Recipients Honored”) Your newspaper gets better and better. Love, Albert & Gerry Garner I want to take the opportunity to “THANK YOU” “THANK YOU” for an absolutely amazing article. (POV, January 1, 2012, “Springfield, Meet Bridgeport”) It’s the buzz about City Hall. I must admit that I killed myself laughing at your quote about the Mayor being the most racially unaffected White guy!! That was hilarious!! Your passion for our great city is overwhelming…..you have truly captured the Bridgeport Spirit.    Deborah Caviness Senior Program Administrator Small & Minority Business Resource Office Bridgeport, CT