Assembly Resolution No. 909

BY: M. of A. Lavine

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 2024, 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 2024, 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 2024, 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.