SENATE RESOLUTION 355--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 THROUGH 28, 2019, AS ``NATIONAL ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LITERACY WEEK''; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 156
(Senate - September 26, 2019)
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[Pages S5756-S5757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 355--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 THROUGH 28,
2019, AS ``NATIONAL ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LITERACY WEEK''
Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Reed, Ms. Collins, Mr.
Durbin, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. King) submitted the
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 355
Whereas the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development reports that approximately 36,000,000 adults in
the United States lack the basic literacy and numeracy
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 economy and position of the United States 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 the parents of a child
and the practice of reading to a child have a direct impact
on the educational success of the child;
Whereas parental involvement in the education of a child is
a key predictor of the success of a child, and the level of
parental involvement in the education of a child increases as
the educational level of the parent increases;
Whereas parents who participate in family literacy programs
become more involved in the education of their children 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 the success of children
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 faced by the people of the United
States;
Whereas many older people in the United States lack the
reading, math, or English-language skills necessary to read a
prescription and follow medical instructions, which endangers
the lives of the older people 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 continue their
education, or to participate in job training programs;
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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 that each individual in the
United States 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 22 through 28, 2019,
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 individuals 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 on 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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