Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 1.djvu/391

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PUBLIC LAW 102-74—JULY 26, 1991 105 STAT. 363 Public Law 102-74 102d Congress- Joint Resolution To declare it to be the policy of the United States that there should be a renewed and j^ og 1991 sustained commitment by the Federal Government and the American people to the ' importance of adult education. [H.J. Res. 279] Whereas a well educated citizenry is the foundation of democracy, the people of all ages should use every means available to gain knowledge and skills; Whereas the Adult Education Act offers educational opportunities for out-of-school adults age 16 and older who lack the literacy levels needed for effective citizenship and productive employment; Whereas the Adult Education Act serves adults who need to acquire basic and life skills, to continue their education through secondary school, and to attain literacy levels required to secure employ- ment or occupational training; Whereas the Adult Education Act puts special emphasis on such adult populations as the incarcerated, individuals of limited English proficiency, adults with disabilities, adult immigrants, the chronically unemployed, homeless adults, the institutionalized, and minorities; Whereas the Adult Education Act has provided adult basic, adult secondary, and English-as -a -Second-Language instruction to over 40,000,000 men and women since 1966; Whereas the Adult Education Act has initiated programs located throughout the 57 States and territories, in urban, suburban, and rural settings; Whereas the Adult Education Act encourages the participation of over 94,000 volunteers who selflessly devote their time to educating adults in need of literacy instruction; Whereas the Adult Education Act supports the national goal that every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skill necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; Whereas the Adult Education Act reinforces the principle that we are a nation of students and recognizes that learning is a lifelong process; Whereas on November 3, 1966, the Adult Education Act was signed into law; and Whereas the Congress supports the Adult Education Act's goal of educating adults so that they can lead fulfilling, more productive lives: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That it is the policy of the United States that—