Verizon Communications and the SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) reading program have distinguished Governor Kulongoski and Detroit Lions Quarterback Joey Harrington as SMART Literacy Champions for the State of Oregon. “Literacy has been a long-time passion of mine,” said Governor Kulongoski. “Every Oregonian should have the opportunity to live up to their fullest potential – and reading is the first step towards helping our children become successful adults.”

The Governor has been a long time supporter of the SMART program and its goals to provide and encourage literacy to elementary children. “SMART is such an important program for our state,” said Governor Kulongoski. “Kids who need a helping hand are given books and encouragement- which is often enough to make them readers for life.”

The Governor believes that the key to a strong and prosperous economy is an educated and skilled workforce, and that the single most important investment the state can make to ensure success for Oregon’s future is in education. The Governor has a plan that ensures predictability, stability and investment for all of education, guaranteeing a minimum 10% increase in funding each biennium for all of education, creating a Rainy Day Fund to ensure a floor – not a ceiling – for investment, and an Education Opportunity Fund for additional, targeted investments in the entire education system.

Verizon and SMART have recognized the Governor’s commitment to education and his vision for the future of education in Oregon. Literacy is the foundation for a lifetime of learning and Verizon, SMART, and Governor Kulongoski are some of the many dedicated people who are making literacy a reality for the children of Oregon.

Read more:
http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/p2005/press_111805.shtml
http://bend.com/news/ar_view.php?ar_id=23781