1. Updates from the Swamp: Federal Update 2017 National Head Start Conference Tommy Sheridan
Director, Government Affairs
April 9th, 2017 Chicago, IL

2. NHSA’s Vision for Head Start
To Lead.
To be the untiring voice that will not be quiet until every vulnerable child is served with the Head Start model of support for the whole child, the family, and the community.
Damon

3. NHSA’s Vision for Head Start
To Advocate.
To work diligently for policy changes that ensure all vulnerable children and families have what they need to succeed.
Damon

4. NHSA’s Mission
To coalesce, inspire, and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education
We are compelled to fulfill this mission by the promise of all possible outcomes:
One powerful, united Head Start voice
A collegial, collaborative Head Start field
Nonpartisan support of an increased federal commitment to Head Start
Healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities
Damon

5. The First 81 Days
Nominations and Appointments
Campaign Promises
Executive Orders
Deregulation
Travel Ban
The Wall/Immigration
Affordable Care Act Repeal
Foreign Affairs
Skinny Budget
A flurry of activity, but what has been accomplished?

6. Latest News – The Administration
Confirmations – Only at the Secretary level
HHS = ACA
Ed = ESSA
OMB = Skinny Budget(3/16) & Full Budget (5/22)
White House/DPC = ???
April 28th is fast approaching

7. The Challenges – The Administration
Unclear Priorities
Palace Intrigue
Strong Idealogues in Critical Positions
Vice President Pence
Secretary Price
Director Mulvaney
Monitoring and Standards Implementation
The Unknown

8. The Opportunities – The Administration
Positive Meeting with Domestic Policy Council
OHS Staff are strong staff
More pressing priorities to focus on
Lack of knowledge about Head Start = HUGE opportunity
Relationships
The budget?

9. Latest News – The Hill It’s ugly out there… Senate goes nuclear
Speaker Ryan loses key vote
Democrats go attack mode…kinda
Something’s gotta give on funding
Recess

10. The Challenges – The Hill
It’s ugly out there
New leadership
House Appropriations
House Ed and Workforce
Senate Appropriations
Blockgranting proposals and whisperings
2018 Elections
Unclear Priorities

11. Key Champions are still champions
The Opportunities – The Hill
Key Champions are still champions
Expanding list of R supporters in House and Senate
House Appropriations Hearings
Head Start is local
They have to be the key to our success

12. The Head Start Mission Control Room
NHSA’s Strategy:
The Head Start Mission Control Room

13. NHSA’s Strategy - The Head Start Mission Control Room
The Goals
The Strategy
Protect Appropriations
Prevent Block Granting
Keep Field United
Ears open, but off the radar
Relationships, relationships, Relationships

14. Latest News – The Beltway Voices
Several groups looking to use Head Start
Recent Reports
Recent Press plays
Others are in lock-step

15. There is a lot going on…and exhaustion is setting in
The Challenges – The Beltway Voices
There is a lot going on…and exhaustion is setting in
Proposals and Positions for sake of relevance
Desire to do something
Desire to make Head Start political – different goals
Many other programs at deep risk

16. The Head Start community is engaged and admired
The Opportunities – The Beltway Voices
Head Start Coalition
NHSA is well respected
The Head Start community is engaged and admired
Alignment of goals and strategies

17. Latest News – Goal #1 Protect Funding
President’s Skinny Budget released and full Budget coming in May
Congress has a LOT TO DO
Heritage Budget still making the rounds
Topline battle is tough
NHSA pushing an increase in funds for FY 17 and FY18
FY17 Options
Tommy

18. Head Start Funding: FY08-17 CR

19. Head Start Funding: NHSA’s Ask

20. Authorizing Recap
Understand all the possible vehicles for block granting
Reauthorization?
Budget bill?
Merge Head Start into child care?
Move Head Start into Social Services Block Grant?
Strengthen Head Start’s relationships on the Hill
Impact of nuclear?
Build a firewall in the Senate
Engage local leaders and Governors
Create a playbook outlining the reasons and examples of why block granting is not good for children or families

21. What to do – United Field Recap
Keep doing fun activities - More than 120 offices received art from you delivered by NHSA!
Support Head Start! Incredible response to Clark-Jenkins
Stay Fresh and rested
Keep relationships fresh and rested
Dollar Per Child

22. Director of Government Affairs
Thank you!
Tommy Sheridan
Director of Government Affairs
@tjsheridan
Damon