Darneille measure to promote adult literacy wins unanimous House approval

February 14, 2008

OLYMPIA—A widespread lack of literacy skills is a major reason why more than half of Washington’s employers report they are having a hard time finding qualified job applicants. But according to Literacy Now—a division of Tacoma Community House—only about one in 19 Washingtonians who would benefit from adult literacy instruction are actually receiving the services they need.

The House of Representatives today agreed with state Rep. Jeannie Darneille, D-Tacoma, that Washington’s workforce, economy and future depend on reaching more people with adult literacy services. The House voted unanimously—94 to 0—for Darneille’s proposal to promote effective adult literacy services throughout the state.

“Imagine what it is like to be unable to read a contract or a driving exam or a simple set of instructions, or to be able to fill out a job application, or to be able to read to your child,” said Darneille. “People with low literacy skills often have amazing abilities to adapt and hide their lack of reading skills, but they are missing opportunities every day to make better lives for themselves and their families.”

Darneille’s legislation would launch a statewide media campaign to promote public awareness of the importance of literacy to individuals, families, communities and the workforce of Washington. The media campaign would be conducted by the state board of community and technical colleges and would include outreach through the Internet, radio and T.V. as well as print media.

“This outreach will not only help connect services with people who need them, it could inspire large numbers of people to become adult literacy volunteers,” said Darneille, who described her own work as an adult literacy volunteer in the House floor debate.

Darneille’s measure also directs the Washington State Institute of Public Policy to assess literacy levels and the availability of literacy services in Washington and other states.

“The vast numbers of people in our state who have low literacy skills are largely silent and invisible. Having a better understanding of who they are and how we can reach them would make a tremendous difference in our ability to improve literacy skills in every corner of the state,” Darneille said.

“Our state focuses on improving the education of children, but we cannot afford to leave the adults behind,” Darneille said. “Helping a parent to learn to read helps their children to learn to read, too.”

House Bill 2899 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.