During a First Steps Kent meeting, questions swirled about what might happen in the next administration.
Leaders of the child advocacy non-profit invited speakers to address the potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education.
Would the Head Start Program be cut?
Could protections for LGBTQ+ youth be rescinded?
First Steps Kent President Jennifer Headly-Nordman says the goal of the discussion was to clear up misperceptions about what might happen and strategize to limit funding or program cuts, while encouraging potential increases in other areas such as child and dependent tax credits.
“We can make sure we’re advocating at the state and federal level for the importance of early childhood programming and services as well as childcare to make sure that not only our children, but families and employers have what they need in order for us to be a successful and functional community.”
Amari Fuller, the Community Engagement Specialist with the Michigan League for Public Policy outlined opportunities and risks that might take shape based on President Trump’s past policies and campaign promises, focusing on the best way to communicate with decision makers.
“My hope is that folks leave understanding how these things work, what these different departments do and where they can use their voice - their expertise as folks with lived experience – to impact that system.”
First Steps Kent will use the information gathered to create action plans and strategies for the coming year.
