Whereas, On May 18, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the official launching of the Head Start program; and,

Whereas, Head Start has provided comprehensive services, including health, education, social services, and parent involvement opportunities, to children and their families, giving them a "head start" to achieve success in school and in life; and,

Whereas, Head Start has been widely recognized by the business community, policymakers, and child development experts as an important investment in the future of our country, one that should be made for all eligible children; and,

Whereas, Over 35,000 children and their families are served each year by Michigan's Head Start programs; and,

Whereas, Over 7,000 Head Start program staff have shown a high degree of dedication and commitment to children and families; and,

Whereas, The state of Michigan is pleased to recognize the commitment and dedication of the Michigan Head Start Association for working to create equal opportunities for all Head Start children, families, and programs to succeed; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 30, 2008, as Michigan Head Start Day, and I encourage all citizens to acknowledge the significant contributions made by Head Start programs.