EXECUTIVE ORDER
87-7

WHEREAS, approximately 23 million Americans read below the fifth grade level; and

WHEREAS, in Missouri, more than one million adults need improved literacy skills in order to function well in their jobs and in society; and

WHEREAS, illiteracy, and low levels of literacy among the work force, have serious economic and social implications for our society; and

WHEREAS, there is a pressing need to prevent illiteracy by improving early childhood education and by strengthening elementary and secondary education; and

Whereas, adults who have less than adequate literacy skills need access to services that will help them to be productive workers and wage earners; and

WHEREAS, the problem of illiteracy is one of the most important issues of our time.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN ASHCROFT, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Missouri, hereby create and establish the Governor's Advisory Council on Literacy. The Council members shall be appointed by the Governor.

The Council shall review literacy activities already underway in Missouri to assess their effectiveness and identify gaps in service, and shall advise the Governor on appropriate activities to make Missouri's literacy efforts more effective.

The Council shall meet when called by the Chairman.

This Order shall be effective immediately, and shall expire January 15, 1989 unless renewed by an Executive Order executed prior to that date.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 20th day of October, 1987.

[John Ashcroft's signature]
GOVERNOR

ATTEST:

[Roy D. Blunt's signature]
SECRETARY OF STATE

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