K 147: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Reading Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 147 BY: M. of A. Lavine MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Reading Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of initiatives which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Reading Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Reading Month; and WHEREAS, 25 Million children in the United States do not have proficient reading skills; and WHEREAS, Reading proficiency levels amongst 4th and 8th Grade students as of 2022 in New York were approximately the same as they were in 1998, with 42% of 4th Graders below the basic proficiency levels and 30% of 8th Graders below the basic proficiency levels; and WHEREAS, A vital issue that needs to be addressed, 3.9 Million New York State residents lack a functional level of literacy; with economic situations causing a lack of resources, 43% of adults with the lowest levels of literacy live at or below the poverty line; and WHEREAS, Reading proficiency and literacy are linked with financial stability, prospects of future employment, and give all individuals the ability to interact with the society around them; and WHEREAS, Those individuals with higher levels of literacy are more likely to involve themselves in civic engagement, whether that be through voting in elections, or volunteering with local organizations that are important to them; and WHEREAS, Each year the month of March is recognized as Reading Month in honor of the beloved children's author Dr. Suess, whose career made countless contributions to the field of children's literature, which are now enshrined in the hearts and minds of millions across the globe; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Reading Month in the State of New York, and to encourage all New Yorkers to focus on reading as an important activity in their lives; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.