Senate Bill 100 Will Help Assure Every Child Reads Proficiently By the End of the Third Grade

             Frankfort, KY:    The House Education Committee heard and passed Senate Bill 100; the "Read to Achieve Act of 2004.”  This initiative was a signature issue during Governor Ernie Fletcher's campaign.

            "Early literacy is an essential skill our children need for a lifetime of learning,” stated Governor Fletcher.  "My administration is committed to giving every child the opportunity to read proficiently by the end of the third grade.  "Read to Achieve” is the central component of that commitment.”

            Senate Bill 100, sponsored by Senator Dan Kelly, will assist the state's 800 elementary schools to implement research-based literacy programs. 

             These programs will help teachers intervene with struggling readers before they fall too far behind.

           The Governor’ Executive Budget recommended $14.2 million for "Read to Achieve.”  However, the budget proposed by the House stripped $2 million of that funding.

           "I believe that we must fulfill our commitment to early childhood literacy by fully funding "Read to Achieve,” stated Governor Fletcher.  "The House budget does not do that.  I encourage the Senate to restore that funding and give children one of life's greatest gifts: literacy.”  

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