Stephanie Maez, MPA Board Member | New Mexico Voices for Children
A program known for its bipartisan support, Head Start, might face challenges under a potential second term of Donald Trump. The program, which offers educational and additional services to children from low-income families, is part of the Project 2025 proposal that suggests its elimination.
Casey Peeks, who serves as the senior director of early childhood policy at the Center for American Progress, spoke to NM Political Report about the possible threat to Head Start. She mentioned that because Head Start represents a significant expenditure in the federal budget, it could be targeted by another Trump administration.
Head Start's annual cost is approximately $12 billion. "That’s one reason it’s being targeted because they want to cut federal spending and it’s one of the largest discretionary domestic programs," Peeks explained. "I don’t agree with the assertion, but in Project 2025, they claim there is no proof that Head Start has any long-term benefits to children."
Peeks also pointed out that there is extensive data and numerous studies showing that Head Start provides substantial benefits to children from low-income families.