This week, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will send $6.6 million to Orange County to help Head Start centers.
Murphy weighed in on the announcement on Tuesday.
“As a mother, I know how critical the early part of a child’s life is to his or her long-term development and success, which is why I’m so proud to announce this funding for Central Florida families,” said Murphy. “Studies show that strong investments in early childhood education ensure greater opportunities for children, reduce crime and incarceration rates, and strengthen the quality of life for all. I’ll continue to protect Head Start so that all children, regardless of their socio-economic status, have an opportunity to achieve their dreams.”
“The Orange County government operates multiple Head Start centers in the Orlando metropolitan area. They are typically based in schools, community centers, or child care centers. At these sites, families can access a wide range of services, including early learning, health care services, and parent-child counseling,” Murphy’s office noted.
During her two years in Congress, Murphy teamed up with U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kansas, who is an underdog to keep his seat next week, to unveil the “Promoting Affordable Childcare for Everyone (PACE) Act.” The proposal would update the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Under Yoder’s and Murphy’s proposal, the CDCTC would be refundable and move the top rate up to 35 percent to 50 percent depending on the family’s income level. The proposal would also raise the amount families can put into Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts from $5,000 to $7,500.
In 2016, Murphy upset longtime U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., in the general election. She faces state Rep. Mike Miller, R-Orlando, in next week’s general election.
