For immediate release | February 14, 2012

American Library Association: President’s budget leaves children high and dry

WASHINGTON, D.C. - American Library Association (ALA) President Molly Raphael released the following statement today regarding President Obama’s 2013 budget request:

"Reducing support for literacy under the Fund for Improvement of Education (FIE) takes books, valuable technological services and critical learning programs away from at-risk children nationwide. We are disappointed the President has chosen to cut programs for this already struggling population. We hope Congress will restore support to help provide at-risk children with a 21st century education, preparing them for college and career."

The president's budget leaves out literacy money under FIE and consolidates Improving Literacy through School Libraries with five other literacy programs.

Contact:

Jacob Roberts