Representative Dan Maffei recently announced that he has rejoined the U.S. House Adult Literacy Caucus he helped form in 2010. The House Adult Literacy Caucus' mission is to build awareness in Congress about the adult literacy crisis in the United States and around the world and to support legislation initiatives to advance this issue.
“I am delighted to reaffirm my support of adult literacy by working again with colleagues in the House on this important issue,” says Maffei. “Literacy plays such an integral role in our daily lives—from keeping and finding employment, staying healthy, driving safely, and serves as a the foundation for our children’s education. Right now, there are more than 34,000 adults in Onondaga County who struggle to read at a third grade level. Without basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills, these Central New Yorkers will continue to face challenges finding employment, staying healthy, and supporting their families.”
Americans who need basic literacy instruction struggle with everyday budgeting, reading prescription instructions, applying for jobs, and comprehending legal documents. Low literate individuals are twice as likely to be out of work, contributing to the high rate of unemployment in the U.S. Although many are eager to compete in the 21st century job market, they simply lack the skills and training to do so. For more facts and information on the adult literacy crisis, visit ProLiteracy’s website.
Dan Maffei was elected to Congress in 2008 and re-elected in 2012. He currently serves on the House Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. He is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight of the House Committee on Science Space and Technology and a member of the Subcommittee on Space. He is also a member of the Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, and Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.
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