Reps. García, Davis, Tlaib Demand Answers from HHS on Chaotic and Sudden Closure of Head Start Offices

CHICAGO — Representatives Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Danny Davis (IL-07), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) led 22 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers about the abrupt decision to close all Head Start offices in Region 5. The move was announced without prior notice or implementation guidance, prompting widespread confusion among families, providers, and staff.

 Region 5 spans Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin—states with over 2,600 Head Start centers serving nearly 125,000 children, including thousands from military families. In Illinois alone, 33,908 children are supported by these critical early childhood education programs. 

 “In Chicago and throughout the Midwest, Head Start programs provide culturally responsive, high-quality early childhood education and help working-class families bridge gaps in care and opportunity,” said the Members of Congress in the letter, which has been endorsed by Illinois Head Start Association.

The members also cite the ongoing strain caused by a previous federal funding disruption in January 2025, which forced temporary closures and furloughs. They express concern that this latest decision may further erode trust and stability in early childhood education systems across the region. 

 The abrupt elimination of these offices “without a transparent transition plan threatens program integrity, delays essential funding, and risks destabilizing the early learning workforce,” the letter continues. “We have already heard from grantees who are unsure how to access their funds and services. Without clear answers, some are now considering staff layoffs or program closures – consequences our communities cannot afford.”

 The letter demands urgent clarification from HHS, including:

• Which regional offices will now manage Region 5 grantees;
• How and when grantees and congressional staff will be notified;
• What support will be available to grantees facing increased burdens;
• Whether HHS conducted an equity impact assessment or community consultation, and;
• How displaced federal staff will be reassigned or supported. 

 “We urge you to halt any further action on the Region 5 closure until meaningful consultation with stakeholders has occurred and a concrete transition plan has been publicly shared,” concludes the letter.

 Congressional co-signers: Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Andre Carson (IN-07), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Kristen McDonald Riven (MI-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Bill Foster (IL-11), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Angie Craig (MN-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Mark Pocan (WI-02). 

 The letter can be found here. 

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