WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) applauded the passage of H.R. 1429, the Improving Head Start Act of 2007.

Rep. Honda (CA-15): "Children’s learning begins well before they enter school, and the transition to school must be founded on strong school readiness," said Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), Chair of CAPAC. "Contrary to the popular myth that all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are doing well academically, many AAPI communities face significant economic and educational attainment challenges, including Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Today’s passage of H.R. 1429 is a big step in strengthening important programs in Head Start critical to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community as well as other communities. Furthermore, two-thirds of foreign-born AAPI students are currently enrolled in Head Start. The Limited English Provision passed today will help reach out to those students."

Rep. Wu (OR-01): "Head Start has proven its ability to improve the lives of disadvantaged kids and to close the achievement gap. But, despite its success, less than 50% of the eligible children nationwide are able to participate due to a lack of resources," said Rep. David Wu (OR-01), Chair of CAPAC’s Education Task Force. "As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, my goal with this reauthorization was to make Head Start available to more kids. This legislation accomplishes that goal, and I am pleased it has the support of my colleagues in the U.S House."

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is a bicameral and bipartisan caucus of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Founded in 1994 by then Congressman Norman Mineta, and currently chaired by Congressman Michael Honda, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, please call (202) 225-2631 or visit http://www.honda.house.gov/capac.