Status of Federal Funding for Adult Literacy

Because a few volunteer literacy programs in Florida get adult literacy funding through the Florida Department of Education, we wanted you to know the latest at the federal level.  Here is an announcement sent out by ProLiteracy to its members on March 27.  Since VALF is a ProLiteracy, we wanted to share this with our members who may not be members of ProLiteracy. It looks like FDOE is only funding continuation grants this year. Over the years, they often do this. It is not surprising that they continue, because funding this year is even more threatened! Do you get directly or indirectly any federal funds for adult literacy?  Please comment below. Dear Member, We want to provide you with important information regarding federal funding for adult literacy and basic education. First, on March 15, the U.S. House of Representatives deliberated HR 803, the Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills (SKILLS) Act. This is a step toward reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act, the key piece of federal legislation that funds adult literacy and basic education. The bill passed with a vote of 215 to 202. Five Republicans and 10 Democrats abstained. An alternative bill was introduced by Representative Tierney (D-MA), but it did not pass. HR 803 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions. That committee is not expected to deliberate HR 803 because they are working on their own WIA reauthorization bill. HR 803 includes language that will allow states to consolidate adult education funding with general workforce training, without a provision that the funding be used for adult literacy and basic education. ProLiteracy opposes this language. If there is a vote to reauthorize WIA, we will be asking you to take action. Second, on March 21, Congress passed a continuing resolution that will keep the government funded at FY2012 levels plus the sequester cut for the next six months. We will continue to keep you updated on these and other issues. As always, thanks for everything you do for adult literacy and basic education. Amy Schmitz Director of Marketing and Communications (315) 214-2580 aschmitz@proliteracy.org Michele Diecuch Senior Program and Membership Manager (315) 214-2576 mdiecuch@proliteracy.org
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