The Headlines

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Wilson Bill Introduced to Provide Tax Deduction for Head Start Teachers
HR 1405 would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow Head Start teachers and aides the same above-the-line deduction for school supplies that is currently allowed for elementary and secondary school teachers. To be eligible under this bill, Head Start teachers and aides must work for at least 700 hours in a school year. The bill currently has 5 co-sponsors and was referred to the Ways and Means Committee. To review a copy of this bill, please go to: http://thomas.loc.gov/ and type in “HR 1405” on the “bill number” search.

CALL TO ACTION: CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS RE: H.R. 1405
Contact your Members of Congress to sign on and support the bill. For Members of Congress, go to www.house.gov and send a direct email to your representative asking for them to sign on to co-sponsor HR 1405 to support Head Start staff in their districts.

For Senators, go to www.senate.gov and explain that HR 1405 has been introduced in the House to provide Head Start teachers the same above-the-line deduction for out-of-pocket school supplies as is already provided to elementary and secondary teachers in the Internal Revenue Code. Ask them to review the legislation and introduce a companion bill in the Senate to support the Head Start staff in their state.

2010 Budget and Appropriations
Congress is beginning to work on the FY 2010 budget and appropriations. The Budget Committees and Appropriations Committees will be working on determining funding amounts over the next few weeks. President Obama is expected to release his detailed budget (including a request for Head Start) in April. His budget plan includes language to build on the investments from the economic recovery package (“ARRA”) made in early childhood services, including Head Start, Early Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant.

House Hearings on Early Childhood
The House Education and Labor Committee has begun to hold hearings on early childhood issues in the 111th Congress. Over the coming months, the Committee will likely consider President Obama’s idea of state early learning challenge grants, among other important topics. For more information on the hearings (including panelists, testimony, and video), please see http://edlabor.house.gov/education/early-childhood/.

Senate Appropriations Committee Announces Subcommittee Assignments
Recently, the Senate Appropriations Committee announced its subcommittee assignments for the 111th Congress. The Labor, HHS, and Education Subcommittee now consists of the following: Democrats -- Senators Harkin (Chairman), Inouye, Kohl, Murray, Landrieu, Durbin, Reed, and Pryor; Republicans -- Senators Specter (Ranking), Cochran, Gregg, Hutchison, Shelby, and Alexander.

NY TIME Publishes Head Start Opinions

"Head Start is not, as Mr. Besharov and Mr. Call argue, failing. Nearly four decades of research show that Head Start works for the children and families it serves. Two nationally representative studies — the Head Start Impact Study and the Family and Child Experiences Survey — show that Head Start programs are of consistently good quality." Continue reading Ron Herndon, chairman of NHSA Board of Directors, letter to the editor and others in the NY Times...


THSA HEADLINE NEWS

THSA Partners with KAPLAN Early Learning

The Texas Head Start Association, Inc. in partnership with KAPLAN Early Learning Company is pleased to announce to all THSA Agency Member Programs a 17% Discount on all retail pricing orders. KAPLAN has agreed to donate back to THSA up to a 2% rebate to be applied to the $2 per Child Campaign.

Read the President's letter to find out how you can qualify to receive the discount and help THSA to continue its efforts on behalf of all Texas Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

THSA 2009 Scholarship Info and Applications Are Available

The THSA scholarship applications are now available for staff, parents and the Head Start community. Members can download the packet on the website to apply. All completed applications must be mailed no later than Friday, May 1, 2009. Get Packet

THSA Endorses Texas Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
Jan 1 - THSA has announced the endorsement of Texas Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. as the insurance agency of choice. This endorsement has been established to provide assistance to THSA members for custom insurance and risk management solutions. THSA members will have access to insurance products tailored to meet their needs. These risk management services are designed to protect your organization and your mission. To learn more about these services for your programs, click here.