I am outraged that the state Appropriations Committee is attempting to cut $1 million from Head Start in the Fund for a Healthy Maine. These funds are matched by federal dollars, so the real cut is a devastating $3 million.

Hundreds of children and families will be stripped of their opportunity to be successful in school and beyond.

Everyone knows the investment in children at that critical time of their development profits the whole community (for every $1 dollar spent, $7 to $10 is returned to the community in future savings).

There are 300 children and families receiving Head Start and Early Head Start services in Androscoggin County with another 200 children who live in poverty and would benefit from Head Start services currently on a waiting list for services. Such cuts would destroy their prospects.

The job loss alone would be highly damaging statewide. Locally, Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care spends $3 million employing more than 100 professional and paraprofessional citizens of the community who put their hearts and souls into the mission of promoting the positive growth of children, families and staff. Many of these dedicated individuals would loose their jobs if Head Start is cut.

I hope there are others in the community who are equally outraged at the attempt. Representatives in the Legislature must not cut Head Start funding.

Sharon Philbrook Bergeron, Auburn