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Guest Blog: Literacy New York Advocacy Committee Time to Work Together For Adult Literacy: #LiteracyLiftsNY Day in Albany March 4, 2019

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As a strong advocate, Assemblymember Ron Kim is co-hosting the day along with LNY and the New York City Coalition for Adult Literacy (NYCCAL).

Our voices need to be heard now more than ever. The Governor’s Executive Budget proposes to cut $1.5 million in Adult Literacy Education (ALE) funding which will hurt many programs—and many people. We are joining together to ask for the restoration of this $1.5 million and the investment of an additional $7.5 million in ALE programs. This investment would raise ALE funding to $15.3 million.

Throughout the day on March 4th, we will also meet with NYS legislators about adult literacy, to make sure they see our faces and understand #LiteracyLiftsNY!

With over 3.5 million New Yorkers—immigrants and native-born alike—lacking English proficiency, a high school diploma or both, our State has a long way to go in fostering opportunities for all to truly succeed.

Each year we talk to many elected officials who understand that Adult Literacy is underfunded and the difficulties this causes our communities. We need to make sure they hear our message!

More information will be available soon. If you have questions, contact Kathy Houghton at 716.651.0465 or [email protected]

​If you cannot travel to Albany you can still join in our social media campaign on March 4.  Here is a link to how to join:   bit.ly/NYCCALSoMeState

About Adult Literacy Education (ALE)

ALE funds English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), and High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation classes. Together, these programs strengthen the literacy skills and credentials and increase employment and earnings potential of adult learners across New York State.