Supporting Reach Out and Read Program

SUPPORTING REACH OUT AND READ PROGRAM -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 19, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO
OF WEST VIRGINIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2005

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Reach Out and Read program. The Reach Out and Read Program is a program that promotes early literacy by making reading a standard part of pediatric primary care by encouraging doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading to children. Reach Out and Read programs are located in over 2,000 hospitals and health centers around the country. Annually, more than two million children participate in Reach Out and Read. My district is proud to have 14 Reach Out and Read programs that provide over 15,000 books to nearly 11,000 West Virginia children annually. I have participated three times in Reach Out and Read Programs in Kanawha and Roane Counties in my district.

By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers, Reach Out and Read helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading.

President Bush included Reach Out and Read in his fiscal year 2006 budget request, continuing a multi-year effort to support this vital reading program. Reach Out and Read has a strong track record of raising non-federal dollars and is capable of more than double the impact of its 2006 appropriation. In January Reach Out and Read undertook a major 2-year initiative to increase the number of children reached by 50 percent through mid-2007. This bold step will greatly increase the number of West Virginia children who grow up in a household where early reading is encouraged.

Reach Out and Read assists families and communities in encouraging early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading. The continued support of this program is critical to the success of the Reach Out and Read program.

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