Hadwick and her colleagues expressed alarm at recent developments, including the April 1 closure of half the Regional Offices that support Head Start providers—including the office that serves California. Photo courtesy of California State Assembly

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - May 6, 2025, Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick (R-Alturas) joined a bipartisan group of legislators, including Assemblymembers Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley) and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) and Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), in urging Congress to protect and expand federal funding for Head Start programs that serve over 85,000 children and families in California each year.

At a Capitol press conference, Hadwick emphasized the unique importance of Head Start to rural communities in Assembly District 1, where early learning and child care options are already limited.

“Raised in rural California by a single mom who worked two jobs just to keep the lights on and food on the table, I know firsthand what Head Start means to families like mine," said Assemblymember Heather Hadwick. "It was a stepping stone. We need those stepping stones for our families as we face some of the most challenging financial times in our generation."

"...in rural counties, Head Start isn’t just one option—it’s often the only option," said Hadwick. "It’s how parents can work. It’s how children get the early learning, health screenings, and family support they need to thrive. I fully believe that we need to cut our budget and cut the waste. I just hope that we don’t do that on the backs of our low income, working families and our children”

California receives nearly $1.5 billion annually in federal Head Start funding, which supports a diverse network of early education, home visiting, and wraparound family services. Head Start also serves as critical workforce infrastructure, employing more than 26,000 Californians and supporting jobs in child care, transportation, local contracting, and more.

Hadwick and her colleagues expressed alarm at recent developments, including the April 1 closure of half the Regional Offices that support Head Start providers—including the office that serves California. Reports of internal federal discussions to eliminate Head Start altogether have also surfaced.

The letter signed by Hadwick and over two-thirds of the California State Legislature calls on Congress to reject any proposal to weaken or eliminate Head Start; Preserve and expand federal investments in Head Start, including workforce and capacity-building funds; And recognize Head Start as a vital part of California and the nation’s early learning and care system.

“If we’re serious about opportunity, equity, and strong rural communities, then we must protect Head Start,” said Hadwick. “This is about our values—and about ensuring every child, no matter their ZIP code, gets a fair start in life.”

To watch the full press conference, click here. To see Assemblywoman Hadwick’s full remarks, click here.