[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 49 (Friday, April 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        FOCUS ON LITERACY, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to the 
outstanding accomplishments of the only New Jersey-based statewide 
literacy provider, Focus on Literacy, Inc. celebrates its 21st 
anniversary on July 2nd. In 1986 Focus on Literacy, Inc. through an Act 
of the United States Congress Established July 2nd as National Literacy 
Day. In 1989 Focus on Literacy, Inc. received the President's Volunteer 
Action Award Citation for its effort. This year is the 17th anniversary 
of National Literacy Day.
  Illiteracy is a non-partisan issue that effects all ages and 
demographics. The consequences of illiteracy have a profound 
generational effect as illiteracy perpetuates illiteracy. The lack of 
literacy skills in adults has a direct and measurable effect on the 
education and the quality of life of their children. Illiteracy 
inhibits people from being viable and productive members of our 
society. Non-readers are not able to make contributions back to our 
communities.
  It is estimated 70% of the unemployed and 65-85% of the incarcerated 
have reading problems. If literacy skill are improved there might not 
be a need for some of the tax dollar supported services currently in 
existence. Illiteracy costs the taxpayer billions of dollars in lost 
revenue as well as costs for additional programs such as welfare, job 
training, criminal rehabilitation, and insurance losses. Illiteracy is 
everyone's problem; it doesn't just affect the individual. The 
illiterate individual is our untapped resource for they do possess 
under utilized talents and abilities.
  As a country we stand by the belief that everyone is entitled to an 
education, but those who cannot read must HEAR by word of mouth, since 
they are unable to read, that there is a free and private assistance 
available for them. Unless they are informed, the illiterate will not 
know where to get help let alone know enough to seek it. As a nation, 
it is everyone's responsibility to assist each other and make sure the 
information is disseminated to aid all concerned. There is no shame 
with being illiterate; the shame is not doing something about it.
  July 2nd National Literacy Day was established to thank volunteers 
and to encourage the television and radio media to broadcast and 
advertise ONLY Public Service Announcements for free literacy services 
for this one day a year in order to publicize and inspire those in need 
to come forward to help themselves to correct their reading deficiency. 
Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this group and its 
accomplishments.

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