Federal budget eliminates family literacy, other efforts

[radwriter0555]

WASHINGTON – Every day, teachers provide literacy training to dozens of children in San Diego – and their parents.

Under the little-known Even Start program run by the U.S. Department of Education, the government provides $240 million to help families break out of poverty.

But Scott Himelstein, whose National Even Start Association based in Mission Valley represents 50,000 families enrolled in the program nationwide, has one word to say when he considers President Bush's proposed 2005 budget:

"Devastating," Himelstein said.

Himelstein is scheduled to testify this week before a House appropriations subcommittee evaluating the administration's planned budget cuts, which include the elimination of Even Start.

THANKS GEORGE.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040322/news_1m22cuts.html