ProLiteracy Calls for Support of Strengthening Communities
through Education and Integration Act

July 14, 2008, Syracuse, NY

On July 24, Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) introduced in the House and Senate the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act. The bill honors the significant economic, social, and cultural contributions that immigrants have made to the U.S., and will help immigrants become more involved in their new communities by adding resources to help them learn English.

Highlights of the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act:

• Increases the government’s investment in adult education programs for English language learners with new appropriations of $200 million in FY 2009, increasing to $300 million by FY 2011 for state grants to programs with integrated English literacy and civics programs
• Increases the authorization for Even Start family literacy programs to $350 million
• Includes technical assistance for grant applications made by community-based organizations
• Calls for a study of the effectiveness of distance learning and self-study programs for English language learners
• Requires the National Institute for Literacy to research the most effective ways of improving the literacy skills of adults with reading difficulties
• Calls for the creation of a national adult education and literacy research and development center
• Creates a $1,500 tax credit for teachers of English language learners
• Provides tax incentives for employers who offer their employees adult education and ESL programs

While the bill is in the early stages of the legislative process, it would help its future success if it has as many co-sponsors as possible. Ask your member of Congress to co-sponsor the bill, H.R. 6617/S. 3334!

Because ProLiteracy is headquartered in New York State, we are a constituent of Sen. Clinton. We have contacted her office to offer our support as the bill progresses.