[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 109 (Friday, June 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       NATIONAL LITERACY DAY 1995

                                 ______


                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 30, 1995
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to ask my 
colleagues to join me in observance of National Literacy Day on July 2, 
1995. As we move into a technologically advanced, 21st century economy, 
it is imperative that the American people are equipped with the tools 
they will need to navigate in such a milieu. Basic literacy is a 
fundamental prerequisite to survival in our rapidly-developing world. 
While literacy does not guarantee success and prosperity in a third 
wave culture, illiteracy does forbode a life of poverty and despair.
  When 30 million Americans cannot read, and over 42 million are 
functionally illiterate, we are relegating these individuals to a life 
on the cusp of viability and hopelessness. Furthermore, through the 
economic underemployment that an illiterate populace engenders, we are 
continuing to underutilize the resources which we possess. As a result, 
by the year 2000, we will need to retrain 50 million workers to enable 
them to compete in the new economy. Additionally, the Nation will spend 
over 225 billion dollars per annum because of the insufficiencies of 
illiterate workers.
  Over the past 10 years, we recognized our commitment to literacy 
through a nationally observed Literacy Day. Today, I ask that we 
recognize July 2, 1995 as a day in which we both praise the efforts of 
those who have worked to increase our national reading capacity, and 
promote awareness of the shortcomings continually inherent in our 
educational system.
  For example, in my home State of New Jersey, project Focus on 
Literacy, spearheaded by executive director Caryl Mackin-Wagner has 
worked tirelessly to increase statewide literacy. However, on the other 
hand, in New Jersey alone, there are over 800,000 people who are 
illiterate, and countless others who suffer from functional illiteracy.
  This kind of awareness of both our successes and failures is crucial 
if we, as a Nation, hope to triumph over illiteracy. Therefore, Mr. 
Speaker, I ask that we again observe National Literacy Day on July 2, 
and continue our arduous journey toward a literate America.


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