[NLA] Update: NCL Efforts re: NIFL

[Jon Randall]

In a message in late July, I indicated that the NCL would issue an Action Alert shortly after its August 7th Public Policy Committee Meeting. The alert is ready now, but friends on Capitol Hill recommend we wait until Sept. 3, when everyone will be back from the Labor Day recess. Until then, here's an update on our efforts. Please look for the Action Alert on Sept. 3rd.

Update: NCL Efforts re: NIFL (ensuring continuation of the Institute's adult ed focus)

1.  Action Alert re: selection of new permanent director 

We've drafted a letter to the Secretaries of Labor, HHS. and Education  that will be signed by Members of Congress. The letter will recommend that the Secretaries hire someone for the director of NIFL who has knowledge of the adult literacy/language education field. We're working on getting co-sponsors for the letter. On Sept. 3rd, the NCL will put out an alert asking everyone in the adult literacy field to urge their Senators and Congressperson to co-sign the letter.

2.  Meeting with Dept. of Ed. officials

While in Washington for the NCL quarterly meeting on Sept. 4-5, NCL leaders will meet with high-ranking officials in the U.S. Dept. of Education. The purposes of this meeting will be to advocate for continuation of the Institute's adult ed focus and to touch base on WIA reauthorization and FY'04 appropriations.

3.  Head's Up

It is much too early to say but, efforts might be made to redefine the Institute's PRIMARY mission during WIA reauthorization over the next two years. Our efforts on the Dear Colleague letter (#1 above) will help us identify who our friends are in future efforts and send a message to the Administration that there's a politically active field out here that will protect its Institute.

Have a good couple of weeks off and return ready to contact your Senators and Congressperson beginning Sept. 3rd.

Best,
Jon

Jon Randall 
Public Policy Committee Chair
National Coalition for Literacy
www.natcoalitionliteracy.org

NCL policy efforts supported in part by funding from LLA/LVA

FedStrategics, LLC
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8413 Park Crest Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910
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jrandall at FedStrategics.com


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