Head Start “more accountable,” a reauthorization sponsor says

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) praised the signing into law of legislation to reauthorize the Head Start program, saying it would help level the playing field for low-income students when they start school. “This makes an already good program better by making it more accountable, more financially solvent, and more focused on meeting the purpose for which it was intended—giving disadvantaged children an equal opportunity.“ Alexander said. He attended the White House ceremony Wednesday, December 12, 2007, at which President Bush signed the measure into law.

In February 2007, Alexander joined Senators Kennedy (D-MA), Enzi (R-WY) and Dodd (D-CT) in introducing legislation to reauthorize the Head Start program. Alexander was the author of a provision in the bill to establish 200 Centers of Excellence around the country to serve as model Head Start programs. This provision helped serve as the basis for a bipartisan compromise after years of debate in which members of Congress were unable to reach final agreement. Read more at The Chattanoogan.com.