[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               ILLITERACY

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise to call to the Senate's 
attention the serious problem of illiteracy and its effects on our 
citizens and our Nation.
  Despite living in one of the most technologically advanced countries 
in the world, far too many Americans are illiterate. Over 27 million of 
our fellow citizens cannot read, and an additional 35 million read 
below the level necessary to function in our society. What is 
particularly alarming is that the ranks of the illiterate are annually 
swelling by over 2 million adults. In our current age, information is 
power, but for too many Americans, information is simply inaccessible.
  The personal costs of adult illiteracy are indeed high; however, the 
costs are borne not only by these individuals, but by our Nation as a 
whole. Illiteracy robs an individual of dignity, and it robs a 
community of their potential contributions. In fact, the cost, in terms 
of wasted human resources, is estimated at over $225 billion.
  Mr. President, I want to commend those who are dedicating their lives 
to eradicating illiteracy. I want to thank the teachers, volunteers, 
parents, and others across America who are freely giving of their time 
and talent to help those who cannot read. In my own State of New 
Jersey, ``Focus on Literacy, Inc.'' is a group that is undertaking 
heroic efforts in the battle against illiteracy; I extend my thanks to 
everyone involved.
  We must focus attention on illiteracy. All of us need to understand 
the extent of the problem and its far-reaching effects. We must also 
ensure that our citizens who need help know where services are 
available. But most importantly, more of us need to enlist in the 
battle to close the book on illiteracy.

                          ____________________