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[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 546 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

112th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 546

    Designating the week of September 10, 2012, as ``National Adult 
                 Education and Family Literacy Week''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             August 2, 2012

  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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
    Designating the week of September 10, 2012, as ``National Adult 
                 Education and Family Literacy Week''.

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;
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.
                                 <all>
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