[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 111 (Thursday, July 25, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8925-S8926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TOWARD A MORE LITERATE SOCIETY

 Mr. SIMON. Mr. President, five years ago today, the National 
Literacy Act of 1991 became law. In each chamber, legislation in 
support of literacy had received strong support from both sides of the 
aisle. In the Senate, our original measure passed in 1990 by a vote of 
99-0. Literacy legislation was passed three times by the House. No 
issue is more important than basic literacy. No issue is less partisan. 
No issue is more compelling to our nation's ability to survive and 
flourish. The ability to read, write and speak in English, compute and 
solve problems is fundamental to functioning at home, on the job and in 
society. Literacy is an essential ingredient to ensure that each person 
realizes his or her full potential as a parent, a worker and a member 
of the community. A United States where every adult is literate is 
essential if our nation is to continue to compete in the global economy 
and be a responsible citizen of the world.
  As important as literacy is for the nation, possessing basic literacy 
skills is also critical for the individual. The ability to read, do 
basic computations and think critically opens the door to endless 
possibilities and unleashes human potential. The lack of basic 
educational skills robs people of the opportunity to realize personal 
happiness and economic security. According to the National Institute 
for Literacy, which was established by the National Literacy Act, about 
half of the American workforce has reading and writing problems. This 
limits an individual's earnings and American productivity. Secretary of 
Education Richard Riley said it well: ``Illiteracy is the ball and 
chain that ties people to poverty.''
  The images of illiteracy are powerful, the consequences are severe. 
How dangerous it is when someone cannot read instructions on a medicine 
bottle or a household appliance. How threatening it is when you cannot 
understand legal rights and responsibilities. How intimidating it must 
be when computing, measuring or estimating is a mystery. How sad it is 
when a child's bedtime story must remain unread because a parent cannot 
decipher the symbols on the page. We have the power to change these 
disturbing situations. Literacy could be a part of the solution to many 
of our social problems.
  It was in recognition of the significance and importance of literate 
citizenry, that the National Literacy Act became law. This legislation 
was designed to assist state and local programs to provide literacy 
skills to adult. It was the first national step toward reaching the 
goal that all Americans obtain the fundamental skills necessary to 
function effectively in their work and daily lives, and to strengthen 
and coordinate adult literacy programs across the nation.
  The National Institute for Literacy (NIL) has already had many 
achievements including the establishment of the National Literacy 
Hotline and the National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities 
Center. The National Institute for Literacy manages the Literacy 
AmeriCorps program which has assisted families to improve their basic 
education skills. NIL has funded innovative state and local activities 
nationwide. The Institute also produces and disseminates timely 
information on adult education and family literacy practices.
  Across the country, State Literacy Resource Centers (SLRC), 
authorized by the Act, meet a great need by fostering collaboration 
among literacy agencies and increasing local capacity to deliver 
literacy services. SLRCs have created linkages within the literacy 
community, but these linkages are threatened because of a lock of 
federal funds.
  As our world becomes more complex, the need for literacy becomes 
greater and the skills needed continue to expand. Thanks to the 
National Literacy Act, our understanding of the magnitude of illiteracy 
has increased, and it is clear that sadly, there is still more to be 
done.
  An immense need still exists. The most recent statistics available 
indicate that 80 percent of adults cannot synthesize information from 
complex material. More than 53 million Americans are unable to locate a 
single piece of information in a short text. More than 56 million 
Americans cannot do simple arithmetic. Millions of Americans are unable 
to locate, understand or use information from written materials; 
millions of Americans lack quantitative skills. That means they cannot 
complete a job application, or use a bus schedule, or complete a bank 
deposit slip.
  Action is needed now if we are to achieve the national education 
goal: that by the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and 
will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in global 
economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. I 
urge my colleagues to

[[Page S8926]]

support literacy programs through the appropriations process and 
through efforts to promote the achievement of literacy in their 
communities. Advancing literacy initiatives is a crucial investment in 
our future. 

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