[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 17, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14707-S14708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. MURRAY:
  S. 1943. A bill to provide for an inexpensive book distribution 
program; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


                  first book distribution program act

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, today I introduce 
legislation on another topic I will be discussing with Chairman 
Jeffords as we move forward with reauthorization of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions Committee.

  I am introducing legislation today to fund an innovative book 
distribution

[[Page S14708]]

program targeted at giving low-income students their own ``first 
book.''
  The ``First Book'' program is a non-profit private organization that 
has been tremendously successful gathering and distibuting new 
children's books to needy children throughout the nation. Key to the 
success of ``First Book'' are local boards called ``First Book Local 
Advisory Boards.'' Under my legislation, which would provide $5 million 
a year federal investment to such boards, will help them leverage 
millions more in funds from other sources. ``First Book'' has been 
successful because it is locally-driven, and reflects private industry 
initiative. ``First Book'' provides new books, which the program 
purchases from publishers at discount rates, to disadvantaged children 
and families primarily through tutoring, mentoring, and family literacy 
programs.
  This bill builds on successful efforts underway in communities across 
the country. It takes what has been a successful but very targeted 
program, and will increase its reach and effect into many more American 
communities. ``First Book'' makes a very real difference for 
disadvantaged children and their families, and with this investment, it 
will make a difference for thousands more.
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