Teaching our children to read is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Reading is the foundation upon which all other learning is built. To be successful, children must be able to read.

The Reach Out and Read Program is vital to helping children develop early reading skills. The spending bill that includes funding for this successful program has been put on hold, but I will do everything I can to support it and make sure our families have access to the resources they need to prepare their children for school. I am also a cosponsor of the Prescribe a Book Act which would establish a grant program as part of No Child Left Behind for pediatric early literacy programs.

Each and every child deserves the best education possible so that they can look with hope to the future. Encouraging early reading skills plays an important role in getting children ready for school. I stand with you on this issue.