National Institute for Literacy

Policy Update

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REPORT FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.

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New Funding for Adult Education Support Services Proposed in Congress

April 15, 1997

Citing data that shows only nine percent of the 46 million American adults with literacy needs are now participating in adult education and literacy programs, Representatives Lamar Smith (R-TX) and Tim Roemer (D-IN) today introduced H.R. 1336, the Adult EducationSupport Services Block Grant. The legislation aims to eliminate two key barriers to participation: lack of affordable child care and lack of reliable transportation.

H.R. 1336 provides a total of $38 million over three years for competitive grants to 10 states. States may use the funds for transportation, child care, and other support services, with the goal of increasing participation in adult education programs to 25 percent of the eligible population by the year 2000.

"The bill covers the entire range of adult education programs such as adult literacy and completion of high school diplomas -- in addition to ESL. That makes it a natural supplement to welfare reform efforts. The ability to read or a high school diploma can make the difference between holding a good job and falling onto the welfare rolls," according to Marge Roukema (R-NJ), a cosponsor of the bill.

The legislation also provides $2 million for an evaluation that would measure the impact of increased access to transportation and child care on student retention.

Rep.Melvin Watt (D-NC) has also cosponsored H.R. 1336, and the American Association of Adult and Continuing Education has endorsed it.