Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has introduced bipartisan legislation to improve child literacy rates amidst an alarming decline.
What the Bill Does
Specifically, Sen. Kelly's Reading Excellence and Achievement for Development (READ) Act contains numerous provisions designed to bring literacy rates back up, including modifications to the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant program by establishing a new reservation of funds to provide grants to eligible low-performing states, who must conduct a literacy review within one year of receiving the funds and determine a new course of action.
Additionally, states would be required to conduct at least one early literacy screening, including dyslexia tests, before third grade. Schools would also be required to inform parents if their child is at risk of reading difficulties or unable to read at grade level at the beginning of each school year.
What Lawmakers are Saying
"I am the product of a good public education, and every kid deserves that. If we want our kids to get ahead, we need to invest in the teachers, parents, and schools helping them get there," said Sen. Kelly in a press release. "This bill is a step towards every kid having an opportunity to succeed, whether they want to join the military, go into public service, or just build a good life."
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), the bill's primary Republican cosponsor, said, "Capable students are dropping out of high school simply because they were never taught how to read. Children with dyslexia are extremely bright, but without early testing and proper resources, they are being left behind. Let's learn from states like Louisiana and implement proven reforms so every child has the power to read and reach their full potential."
Other sponsors of the bill include Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Scott (R-SC), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jim Banks (R-IN).
Kelly's Previous Education Push
In April, the Arizona Senator introduced the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, which targets school voucher provisions tucked into the monumental One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
