Suozzi Intervenes to Save Manhasset/Great Neck Head Start Program from Shutdown

Washington, D.C.-- The Great Neck / Manhasset Head Start program, which has served children ages 3 to 5 for nearly 60 years, was on the brink of closing this past Monday due to a federal funding freeze.

The issue stemmed from President Donald Trump's January 29th order to halt all federal funding. Although the freeze was lifted two days later, a glitch in the payment management system left Head Start programs across the country unable to access their grant funds.

On Thursday, February 6th, Head Start Executive Director Stephanie Chenault contacted Congressman Tom Suozzi, who represents Great Neck and Manhasset in his district. Suozzi is a member of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee, which oversees Medicare, Social Security, and social services programs.

Chenault explained that although her grant had been funded on Saturday, February 1st, the system still listed the payment as "pending review," preventing her from accessing the money.

Suozzi immediately sprang into action, contacting officials at the Administration for Children and Families under the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency responsible for Head Start. He demanded a swift resolution.

"It was unacceptable to me, and I was determined to hound the administration for answers until they unlocked the funds Congress voted to support in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion," Suozzi said. "I am all for government efficiency, but I will not stand by while vulnerable children and families suffer due to bureaucratic failures."

By midday Friday, Chenault saw progress—her grant status changed to "request in progress" instead of "pending review." Suozzi continued pushing until he received confirmation via text from federal officials that the funds would be deposited by Monday. The program remained open as scheduled.

"Congressman Suozzi spoke to everyone and anybody on our behalf to get this resolved, and we are so grateful," Head Start Executive Director Stephanie Chenault said.

The Manhasset-based program provides preschool education, meals, and other essential services. Its staff includes teachers, teacher assistants, family service workers, a food service manager, and a part-time licensed practical nurse. It was one of 52 Head Start programs nationwide—serving nearly 22,000 children—that had been unable to access grant funds due to the federal freeze.

Suozzi Also Challenges Musk's Government Efficiency Initiative

In a separate statement, Suozzi weighed in on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative led by Elon Musk to cut federal regulations and reduce government waste.

"We should all be looking for efficiencies," Suozzi said. "But we should be using Congress as the vehicle to do that. We have the Constitution and processes, and Congress is responsible for this."

He also had a direct message for Musk: "So, listen, Elon Musk and DOGE. Follow the Constitution—give us a list of the cuts you think make sense. Bring it before Congress. The Republicans control the House and the Senate, and when it makes sense, I will join them."

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