Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement in celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the establishment of Head Start, which provides early childhood education to millions of American families:

“For a half-century, Head Start has been critical to providing health, nutrition, social, and other services critical to the development of children. In communities across the United States, Head Start offers children the opportunity to develop their unique talents. Head Start remains invaluable to our civil society – nothing contributes more than education to the success of children. Today, more than half of the students attending public schools are living below the poverty line. We have a shared responsibility to renew our commitment to Head Start and other programs such as nutrition assistance that will contribute to these future of young women and young men. As we celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary of Head Start, let us join in support of Head Start and the millions of families and children for whom it remains a critical resource in pursuing their aspirations.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the House of Representatives, a member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, as well as the Committee on Ethics and the Committee of Small Business. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.