Democratic lawmaker highlights need for transparency, reliable education funding
DETROIT, Mich., Aug. 22, 2025 — Focus: HOPE Head Start recently announced it would be shutting its doors after being denied $6 million in federal funding. This loss devastated the nonprofit, resulting in 300 children losing access to education and over 100 employees laid off. After the closure, state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:
“It is absolutely unacceptable that hardworking Detroit families, where access to licensed child care is already scarce, are now facing the loss of Head Start services right at the beginning of the school year. Head Start is more than child care — it’s early education, nutrition, social learning, health supports and family stability. Denying Focus: HOPE these crucial federal funds, after they’ve faithfully and competently served these neighborhoods for over a decade, is an all-too-clear betrayal of our community’s most vulnerable children and families.
“I stand with Focus: HOPE, parents and staff in demanding transparency from federal agencies. We must know why this proven, high-quality provider was denied imperative funding. At a time when Michiganders are demanding a finalized state budget and facing health care and food assistance cuts from Washington, these detrimental effects keep compounding. I am committed to fighting for vital services that people depend on and ensuring reliability in our government.”
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