[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 67 (Thursday, May 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SUPPORTING REACH OUT AND READ PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 2005

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Reach Out 
and Read program. The Reach Out and Read Program is a program that 
promotes early literacy by making reading a standard part of pediatric 
primary care by encouraging doctors and nurses to advise parents about 
the importance of reading to children. Reach Out and Read programs are 
located in over 2,000 hospitals and health centers around the country. 
Annually, more than two million children participate in Reach Out and 
Read. My district is proud to have 14 Reach Out and Read programs that 
provide over 15,000 books to nearly 11,000 West Virginia children 
annually. I have participated three times in Reach Out and Read 
Programs in Kanawha and Roane Counties in my district.
  By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical 
providers, Reach Out and Read helps families and communities encourage 
early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in 
reading.
  President Bush included Reach Out and Read in his fiscal year 2006 
budget request, continuing a multi-year effort to support this vital 
reading program. Reach Out and Read has a strong track record of 
raising non-federal dollars and is capable of more than double the 
impact of its 2006 appropriation. In January Reach Out and Read 
undertook a major 2-year initiative to increase the number of children 
reached by 50 percent through mid-2007. This bold step will greatly 
increase the number of West Virginia children who grow up in a 
household where early reading is encouraged.
  Reach Out and Read assists families and communities in encouraging 
early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in 
reading. The continued support of this program is critical to the 
success of the Reach Out and Read program.

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