In the 2025 session, the Oregon legislature allocated $380.7 million to support Head Start programs with the passage of Senate Bill 5514. Less than three months after the legislature adjourned, Head Start learned the Department of Early Learning and Care cut their budget by $9.5 million with no input from Head Start programs.
These cuts will have a devastating impact on local programs already struggling to provide for children and families in their communities. Programs have faced challenges at the federal level, and now they are facing them from the state.
Contact Governor Kotek through phone call or email with the message below and ask her to restore $9.5 million in funding cuts to Head Start programs! Funding is critical for Head Start to serve families in need and without significant service disruptions to families.
Here's a written script you can copy:
Dear Governor Kotek,
I am writing as a parent and Oregon community member to ask for your urgent help in restoring funding to Oregon Head Start programs.
The unexpected cuts place an already vulnerable system under even greater strain. Head Start programs across Oregon are already working to navigate federal challenges while continuing to serve children and families who rely on them for early learning, nutrition, family support, and stability. Losing $9.5 million in state funding threatens staff positions, classroom availability, and critical family services — ultimately impacting the children who need these programs the most.
Head Start is not just early education; it is a lifeline for working families, rural communities, and children experiencing economic hardship. Stable funding is essential to ensure continuity of care, classroom access, and trusted relationships that help children succeed both academically and socially.
I respectfully ask that you take action to restore the full $9.5 million in funding to Oregon Head Start programs so they can continue serving families without devastating service disruptions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City you live in]
Thank you for taking action to protect Oregon’s critical Head Start programs. Please encourage your family and friends to do the same!
