[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 117 (Thursday, August 2, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5992-S5993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 546--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2012, AS 
         ``NATIONAL ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LITERACY WEEK''

  Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Webb, Mr. 
Whitehouse, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Johnson of South Dakota, Ms. Murkowski, and 
Mr. Enzi) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

                              S. Res. 546

       Whereas the National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports 
     that 90,000,000 adults lack the literacy, numeracy, or 
     English-language skills necessary to succeed at home, in the 
     workplace, and in society;
       Whereas the literacy of the people of the United States is 
     essential for the economic and societal well-being of the 
     United States;
       Whereas the United States reaps the economic benefits of 
     individuals who improve their literacy, numeracy, and 
     English-language skills;
       Whereas literacy and educational skills are necessary for 
     individuals to fully benefit from the range of opportunities 
     available in the United States;
       Whereas the United States' economy and position in the 
     world marketplace depend on having a literate, skilled 
     population;
       Whereas the unemployment rate in the United States is 
     highest among those without a high school diploma or an 
     equivalent credential, demonstrating that education is 
     important to economic recovery;
       Whereas the educational skills of a child's parents and the 
     practice of reading to a child have a direct impact on the 
     educational success of the child;
       Whereas parental involvement in a child's education is a 
     key predictor of a child's success, and the level of parental 
     involvement in a child's education increases as the 
     educational level of the parent increases;
       Whereas parents who participate in family literacy programs 
     become more involved in their children's education and gain 
     the tools necessary to obtain a job or find better 
     employment;
       Whereas, as a result of family literacy programs, the lives 
     of children become more stable, and their success in the 
     classroom and in future endeavors becomes more likely;
       Whereas adults need to be part of a long-term solution to 
     the educational challenges of the United States;
       Whereas many older people in the United States lack the 
     reading, math, or English skills necessary to read a 
     prescription and follow medical instructions, which endangers 
     their lives and the lives of their loved ones;

[[Page S5993]]

       Whereas many individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, 
     or receive public assistance lack the literacy skills 
     necessary to obtain and keep a job to provide for their 
     families, to continue their education, or to participate in 
     job training programs;
       Whereas many high school dropouts do not have the literacy 
     skills necessary to complete their education, transition to 
     postsecondary education or career and technical training, or 
     obtain a job;
       Whereas a large portion of individuals in prison have low 
     educational skills, and prisoners without educational skills 
     are more likely to return to prison once released;
       Whereas many immigrants in the United States do not have 
     the literacy skills necessary to succeed in the United 
     States; and
       Whereas National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 
     highlights the need to ensure each and every citizen has the 
     literacy skills necessary to succeed at home, at work, and in 
     society: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week of September 10, 2012 as ``National 
     Adult Education and Family Literacy Week'' to raise public 
     awareness about the importance of adult education, workforce 
     skills, and family literacy;
       (2) encourages people across the United States to support 
     programs to assist those in need of adult education, 
     workforce skills, and family literacy programs;
       (3) recognizes the importance of adult education, workforce 
     skills, and family literacy programs; and
       (4) calls upon public, private, and nonprofit entities to 
     support increased access to adult education and family 
     literacy programs to ensure a literate society.

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