[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      YORK COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 1998

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the efforts of 
the York County Literacy Council on their ``Buck A Book Week.'' This 
annual event was established in 1993 with the help of one of York 
County's radio stations, WSBA. The event has been highly successful in 
motivating people to read and in bringing new public awareness to the 
issue of literacy.
  Literacy is the backbone of an education. I believe the York County 
Literacy Council and all the Literacy Councils in my district have done 
an excellent job in improving literacy. Their mission has been to serve 
adults who lack basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, and 
to improve collaboration among service providers. The ``Buck A Book 
Week'' certainly exemplifies their proactive approach to addressing the 
problem of illiteracy.
  I believe illiteracy is one of the most serious problems facing our 
country. It seriously restricts the ability of individuals to 
participate effectively in the workforce. It has been estimated that up 
to 90 percent of those entering Federal training and employment 
programs without a high school diploma have serious literacy problems. 
In contrast, individuals who demonstrate higher levels of literacy 
skills tend to avoid long periods of unemployment, earn higher wages 
and work in higher skilled occupations than those at the lowest levels.
  Mr. Speaker, through quality, innovative programs and the diligent 
efforts of individuals and community organizations such as the York 
County Literacy Council, the Central Pennsylvania Literacy Council, and 
the Adams County Literacy Council, the tragedy of illiteracy may one 
day become a thing of the past. I applaud these Councils on their 
efforts and commend them on a job well done.

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