A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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SPRINGFIELD URBAN LEAGUE HOSTS U.S. SENATOR DICK DURBIN, ILLINOIS REPRESENTATIVE NIKKI BUDZINSKI & NEW YORK REPRESENTATIVE HAKEEM JEFFRIES |
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Last week, Springfield Urban League (SUL) proudly hosted Congressional House Minority Leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin for "What's at Stake," an important conversation on the future programs like SNAP and Head Start, programs that are essential to the families and communities we serve.
SUL's President & CEO Dr. Marcus Johnson, SUL's Head Start Program Director Harold Pursey, and IHSA's Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl were amongst others who took time to sit down with these distinguished guests and discuss how services can be strengthened. These conversations are vital to enhancing our community and ensuring families have the resources they need to thrive.
The visit highlighted how critical SNAP is in fighting food insecurity and how Head Start equips children and families with education, nutrition, and support for a brighter future. Strong leadership at every level is key to both protecting and expanding these programs so that no child or family is left behind or without. The stakes are high but with committed leaders by our side, progress remains possible. |
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CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE REPORTS DOCUMENT HARMS OF BUDGET RECONCILIATION BILL |
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Last week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that the federal deficit will soar by $4.1 trillion due to the recently enacted budget reconciliation package (aka "the big beautiful bill").
Another CBO report released last Monday underscores the devastating consequences of the SNAP cuts in the budget reconciliation package. According to the CBO’s analysis, reductions to SNAP will significantly shrink access to food assistance, disproportionately harming children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working families already doing everything they can to make ends meet. The report projects that millions of people will see reduced benefits or lose access to SNAP entirely.
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ADVOCACY NEEDED TO PROTECT WIC FUNDING |
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The Senate-passed funding level ($8.2 billion) for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This level is expected to ensure that WIC can meet anticipated participation and safeguard the cash value benefit (CVB) that allows WIC participants to purchase fruits and vegetables.
As Congress returns to Washington after Labor Day to hash out funding for fiscal year 2026, we must work to ensure WIC is fully funded without any benefit cuts. We are urging Congress to continue their 30-year bipartisan commitment to provide full funding to ensure that WIC can serve all eligible families. The recent Senate-passed Agriculture Appropriations bill continues that commitment and the House must now follow suit.
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, Aug 20 at 4pm. |
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Join IHSA Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl and your Illinois Head Start community for a weekly 30-minute check-in. This space is for everyone and anyone to ask questions and to learn the latest on what's going on. See you this afternoon! |
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HEAD START & EARLY HEAD START GRANTEE & DELEGATE DIRECTORS MEETINGS - VIRTUAL |
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STATEWIDE (3rd Thursday of each month) Join new and seasoned leaders from across the state at the HS/EHS Grantee Directors Meeting. This is more than a meeting - it's a space to connect, reflect, exchange support, and tackle real challenges together; a working session for Head Start and Early Head Start leaders to connect, share experiences, and problem-solve.
CHICAGO METRO AREA (2nd Wednesday of each month)
HS/EHS Grantee and Delegate Directors from across the Chicago Metro area are invited to a regional meeting focused on shared challenges and practical solutions. Whether you're new to the role or have years of experience, this is a space to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and discuss what's working and what's not. The goal is straightforward: support each other and improve outcomes for our programs. |
| Next Statewide Directors Meeting:
August 21, 2025 10AM - Noon |
Next Chicago Metro
Directors Meeting: September 10, 2025 10AM - Noon
Email Linda at lwang@ilheadstart.org for more info. |
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For any questions or inquiries, please reach out to Cathy Welsh, Director of Learning, at cwelsh@ilheadstart.org |
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PROMOTING GOOD ORAL HEALTH: HEALTHY DRINKS FOR HEALTHY TEETH |
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Healthy drink choices are just as important as healthy food choices. Some adults may not be aware of hidden sugars in drinks. When children consume drinks with sugar throughout the day, their risk for tooth decay increases.
Water and milk are the best drinks to keep children’s teeth strong and prevent tooth decay. Head Start staff and families can play a key role in promoting good oral health by serving children healthy drinks. |
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QUESTION: Head Start gets funding for every volunteer hours recorded. What is this funding called? How to play: Respond to this Scoop with your answer! (or email lwang@ilheadstart.org). If correct, you'll be put in a raffle for a prize! Winner and answer will be announced in the next Scoop. Last week's Q&A
Question: Complete the sentence - Head Start serves low income families, expected mothers, and children with ______. Answer: Disabilities. Winner: Judy Gann, Executive Secretary at Riverbend Head Start & Family Services in Alton! Look out in the mail for your prize from our friends at Open Books! |
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What's going on at your Head Start Program? Share your recent center activities, congressional visits, field trip adventures, staff spotlights, exciting news, and more!
Let's build community by sharing what's going on IN our community! |
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