News
Governor Rell signs Adult Literacy Bill
By Governor Rell's office
Jul 16, 2008 - 11:58:55 AM

Gov. M. Jodi Rell poses with adult education students outside of the Hartford Public Adult Education School

In a ceremony today at the Hartford Public Adult Education School, Governor M. Jodi Rell signed a bill that establishes a state Adult Literacy Board.

“Through the work of this new board, we will be able to integrate adult education and literacy with workforce training,” Governor Rell said. “That long-term planning and integration will help us to better place our adult workforce into quality jobs.

“To grow jobs here in Connecticut, we must have skilled employees who can read, write and communicate effectively. We must ensure that all state residents can fully participate in our workforce, and to do that, we need a comprehensive, coordinated approach. This law will help us accomplish that goal.”

The law requires the state’s Office of Workforce Competitiveness to establish a 17-member Adult Literacy Leadership Board as a standing committee of the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission. The literacy board will review and advise the commission on workforce investment and adult literacy programs and services. The board must develop a strategic plan for an adult literacy system, prepare an annual report card on the status of adult literacy in Connecticut and report annually to the governor and legislature on its activities.

The board also will develop and maintain an online inventory of all adult literacy programs and services offered in the state, including a description of the type of service, the time and place it is offered and any eligibility requirements or fees.

Senate Bill 465, An Act Establishing an Adult Literacy Board, took effect July 1.

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