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Hobbs stopped at Liberty Elementary School, home to Liberty Head Start, where she was joined by parents and staff from the nonprofit , which delivers Head Start and related programs throughout Southeast ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

Head Start is a key driver for the future of the state, Hobbs said, and if it were to go away due to federal funding cuts, it would have dire consequences for kids and their families across ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, she said.

“Head Start is a program that works, and is a central part of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s learning community. I know in some communities, particularly in rural parts of the state, it’s the only early learning opportunity for a lot of families,â€� Hobbs said. “Losing Head Start funding would create a huge hole that we don’t have the capacity to backfill. I don’t know if a lot of states do.â€�

Head Start provides early education for children aged 3 to 5 years old from lower-income communities and families who are at or below the . It was created in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. In ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Head Start programs serve more than 17,000 children.

In April, the Trump administration to Head Start as part of sweeping budget cuts in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Associated Press and other news outlets have reported. An updated budget released walked back on the cuts. And a few days ago, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said in a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing that his agency would “preserve� the program.

Hobbs said she was encouraged by the apparent change of heart.

“Every sign that we get from Washington, that they understand how critical programs like Head Start are, is a good sign,â€� Hobbs said. “I will continue to advocate, but I’m very hopeful that they understand how impactful programs like this are to families who need it the most across ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.â€�

Not having Head Start would be devastating, said Araceli Palafox, a single mother of four and member of the state CPS policy council.

“My presence in their life would be very limited ... it would be devastating, but most importantly, my child wouldn’t receive the education that they receive here. They wouldn’t get the social emotion skills, and it might be traumatic for them when I would be dropping them off,� Palafox said.

“If I could tell Congress anything, I would tell them to fight for our case and support Head Start, because they’re supporting the future of America, because this is where it starts, right here at Head Start.�