Tell Your Representative: Books Are Fundamental

The literacy organization Reading Is Fundamental needs our help. From its web site, a message from Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO:

"President Bush’s proposed budget calling for the elimination of Reading Is Fundamental’s (RIF) Inexpensive Book Distribution program would be devastating to the 4.6 million children and their families who receive free books and reading encouragement from RIF programs at nearly 20,000 locations throughout the U.S.

“Unless Congress reinstates $25.5 million in funding for this program, RIF would not be able to distribute 16 million books annually to the nation’s youngest and most at-risk children. RIF programs in schools, childcare centers, migrant programs, military bases, and other locations serve children from low-income families, children with disabilities, foster and homeless children, and children without access to libraries.  The Inexpensive Book Distribution program is authorized under the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (SEC.5451 Inexpensive Book Distribution Program for Reading Motivation) and is not funded through earmarks. It has been funded by Congress and six Administrations without interruption since 1975.

Continue reading the entire statement here.

It's been a busy week, but this is first on my to-do list tomorrow morning. Find information about contacting your Congressional representatives here.

Hat tip to Jen Robinson's Book Page for alerting us to RIF's plaint. 

Comments

[Kelly Fineman]

Grrrr. I so detest this administration, and this is the sort of thing that just piles on for me.

Will make a note and contact my rep and senators. Thanks for the heads-up, Susan!

[Susan T.]

I know, Kelly. It makes me livid.

[cloudscome]

Thanks for posting this! I followed your links, sent emails to all suggested gov. officials and copied your post on my blog. This is one thing that is easy to do and could have a huge impact.

[Susan T.]

Yay! I'm glad this was helpful, Cloudscome.