1. [Today’s Date], 2014
The Honorable ______________
[Address]
Dear [Senator or Assembly Member] ___________________:
I am an adult literacy student at _______________________. My goal is to [get a job, get a
better job, go on to college, take care of my family better, help my community, or something else
you want]. [name of my program] is helping me learn
:_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_.
In New York State over 3 million people do not have a high school diploma and/or don’t speak
English very well . Only about 5% of those people are in programs like mine. Many students are
on waiting lists and are unable to get a seat in an adult literacy program.
Adult literacy programs improve basic literacy skills, English language instruction, and HSE
preparation in order to ensure that lower-skilled people are prepared to work and not left behind
in this labor market. This is especially important in 2014 with the implementation of a new and
more rigorous HSE test.
New York State has had a very low pass rate on the GED Test ®. Students who are in state-
funded preparation programs pass the test at a rate 20% higher than those who aren’t in a class. If
we want to raise the pass rate, we have to provide more opportunities for instruction.
I am grateful to have this chance, but there are many others who also need an education. Please
invest in the future and support increases for adult literacy funding. Please see the attached
recommendations for increased resources and a policy change that will help more people gain the
skills and credentials we need to succeed.
Sincerely,
Name
Address