We Republicans and we Americans must reach out for the hands of those who are not as strong and not as fortunate as we are. And thanks to a challenge the governor issued earlier this year, teachers and parents and students in Texas know clearly what we expect. That every child will learn to read proficiently by third grade grade, and will continue reading on grade level or better throughout their school years. As a former public schoolteacher and librarian, I know how important reading is. George and I believe that reading is to the mind what food is to the body.
Nothing is more basic or essential.
And in Texas, nothing will take a higher priority. While our public schools and teachers are an essential part of achieving our goal, we knew that schools couldn't do it alone. That's why we challenged all Texans to get involved, to give of themselves, and wonderful things began to happen. And you know what happens when Barbara Bush gets involved in something. With support from the Barbara Bush foundation for family literacy, we created the first ladies family literacy initiative for Texas.