Sequestration and Head Start

[Sadiedog]

I work as a Head Start Teacher/ family advocate and just found out that sequestration is right around the corner. Looks like we are going to end up losing classrooms and I`m trying to find out as much information about this as I can. It is so very sad for the children and their families that will be losing these services. I might end up losing my job too and I`ve worked for the program for 15 years now. I`ve written my Congressman and hope it helps but... I`m curious if any DUers know anything about sequestration? I just heard the term a few days ago and the uncertainty about the future is really bothering me. So if anyone has any suggestions or ideas about this subject I hope you will share. Thank you.

[HiPointDem]

1. as i understand it, sequestration is what happens if congress can't agree about a budget deal in

january (a 'deficit reduction' plan) -- automatic cuts to every program.

of course, there's no reason this *needs* to happen, nor any reason it needs to happen in january. congress has just decided it *will* happen.

But there is no 'fiscal cliff' looming. It's a tactic to stampede the public.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021574892

it's not only head start: everything will get cut, across the board.

talking to other people, organizing yourselves to pressure legislators, use of media, etc.

[Sadiedog]

2. HiPointDem for your reply

I read through your link and will be researching this more. Amazing that more people are unaware of this, some of these cuts will be devastating not only in the program I work in. I`ll see how many people I can get interested in speakimg out about this. Wow!

[skiptaylor]

3. Fiscal Cliff

I gotta believe cooler heads will prevail after this election and the fiscal cliff and sequestration will be avoided

[Sadiedog]

4. Let`s hope! n/t

[YvonneCa]

5. Sadie...

... Thank you for all you do for kids every day. I'm a retired sixth grade teacher and I believe in Head Start. It needs MORE funding, not less. I think President Obama ...given the choice...would fully fund your program.

My understanding of sequestration is that it is a way...after the election...to gain control of our budget with 'across the board' cuts (as a last resort). Like using a sledge hammer instead of a scalpel. Cutting needed programs as well as wasteful ones. (GOP refused the scalpel approach when they didn't get their way this summer.)

I hope, after the election, a wiser solution will be found. If President Obama is re-elected, it could be fixed in the lame duck sesson of Congress before January. That is my hope.

As a teacher...and as you know...changes get made when admins worry about funding. It's awful to go through, as you are. Hang in there.

[Sadiedog]

6. Thank you.Nt