Amo Defends Head Start Programs Threatened by Republican-Proposed Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP
In a visit to the Woonsocket Head Start facility, Congressman Amo met with community leaders to discuss support for childcare and education
PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) visited the Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association to emphasize the importance of early childhood education and the downstream impacts of Republican-proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — two programs that Head Start enrollees rely on. Medicaid provides comprehensive care to more than 300,000 Rhode Islanders, including children, mothers, and newborns. Similarly, SNAP delivers critical food assistance to thousands of vulnerable Rhode Island families. Both programs, Medicaid and SNAP, have been placed on the chopping block by Republicans seeking to offset their plans to cut taxes for wealthy billionaires and corporations.
Following a tour of Woonsocket Head Start’s facility and classrooms, Congressman Amo led a community discussion with early childhood education staff, community organizations, and local leaders to discuss how Republican-proposed budget cuts would affect families and children in Woonsocket.
“Investing in early childhood education, including initiatives like Head Start, has proven benefits. It enhances cognitive abilities, increases immunizations, boosts high school graduation rates, and decreases reliance on public assistance later in life,” said Congressman Amo, a member of the House Committee on the Budget. “However, the Republican plan opens the door to Medicaid and SNAP cuts jeopardize the foundation for many of our most vulnerable children to pay for a tax giveaway for billionaires. I will continue to push back against cruel and devastating cuts that would take away the food assistance and health care children rely on to grow up strong and healthy.”
“Investing in early childhood education through programs like Woonsocket Head Start is not just an investment in the future of children, but in the future of our nation. Federal support for Head Start ensures that every child, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality education and a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success,” said Mary Varr, Executive Director of the Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association. “Expanding-not cutting- funding for Head Start is a crucial step in breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring a brighter, more successful future for all children. The entire Rhode Island Head Start community thanks Congressman Gabe Amo for his untiring support for our children, families and staff.”
DOWNLOAD PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S TOUR AND EVENT HERE
BACKGROUND
Congressman Amo serves on the House Committee on the Budget to fight for budget priorities that reflect Rhode Island values and the needs of working families across the country. The Committee is the first step in the reconciliation process the Republican House majority is using to push the Trump Tax Scam 2.0 — a plan that could cut key programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
On February 25th, Congressman Amo spoke on the House Floor, slamming the Republican budget resolution that threatens devastating cuts to critical programs. Amo’s remarks follow the Republican-controlled House Committee on Rules’ refusal to include Congressman Amo’s amendments to protect nutrition programs and support Medicaid.
Across Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, Congressman Amo has met with local leaders to discuss the danger of Republican’s proposed cuts. On March 17th, 2025, Congressman Amo led food assistance organizations in a press conference to discuss how the Republican-proposed budget cuts would likely target SNAP, a program that provides critical assistance to vulnerable Rhode Islanders, supports farmers, and promotes our state’s economy. For the Medicaid Day of Action on March 18, 2025, Congressman Amo joined the Rhode Island delegation, key medical professions, and advocacy groups in emphasizing how Republican-proposed cuts to Medicaid will harm Rhode Islanders seeking behavioral and mental health care, as well as the providers who serve them.
The Republican budget resolution directs specific committees to achieve spending cuts or increases. Republicans leaked menu of options includes:
- At least $880 billion in cuts for the Energy and Commerce Committee, which could target Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium assistance, and repeal Inflation Reduction Act policies.
- At least $330 billion in cuts for the Education and Workforce Committee, which could target student loan programs, income driven repayment, and Pell grants, Head Start, and School lunch.
- At least $230 billion in cuts for the Agriculture Committee, which could target SNAP.
- Up to $4.5 trillion in new spending for the Ways and Means Committee, which could include tax cuts for the top one percent, repeal of Inflation Reduction Act policies, cuts to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Social Services Block Grant, cuts in Medicare payments to providers, and cuts to Affordable Care Act premium assistance.
