WHEREAS, More than 27 million Americans are illiterate; and

WHEREAS, More than 20 percent of adults read at or below a fifth-grade level; and

WHEREAS, Over 40 million Americans age 16 and older have significant literacy needs; and

WHEREAS, Literacy is the ability to read, write, and speak proficiently, to compute and solve problems, and to use technology in order to become a lifelong learner and to be effective in the family, in the workplace, and in the community; and

WHEREAS, Illiteracy affects a multitude of social and economic issues from juvenile delinquency and welfare dependency to unemployment, low productivity, costly errors in the workplace and an inability to read employers’ health and safety regulations; and

WHEREAS, Our future depends on education and education begins with literacy; and

WHEREAS, Reading and writing are the foundation for all school-based learning. Reading is the basic skill that enables individuals to learn the major subjects—including history and social studies, the language arts, science, and mathematics. Writing allows students to communicate their ideas effectively and to show what they have learned; and

WHEREAS, Every individual needs a range of literacy skills to achieve their personal life goals, pursue a successful career, and play an active role as a citizen; and

WHEREAS, High levels of literacy also enable individuals to keep pace with changing educational expectations and technologies and support the educational attainments of their families; and

WHEREAS, Collaborative, multidisciplinary, after school intensive reading literacy programs are a proven method of establishing and increasing literacy; and

WHEREAS, In small classes, tutors and instructors can help students improve their functional literacy; and

WHEREAS, We should ensure that all Americans with literacy needs have access to services that can help them gain the basic skills necessary for success in the workplace, family, and community in the 21st century; now, therefore, be it