Whether Pennsylvania’s literacy legislation moves through “traditional” channels or through the Omnibus School Code Bill—a critical piece of the state budget—the outcome is shaped by a small group: legislative leaders. They hold the power to include (or exclude) the bills and funding needed to make meaningful change.
That’s why your voice is so critical right now.
As residents of Pennsylvania, we must urge our leaders to act. Our state is losing out on over <a href="https://www.paliteracy.org/resources" target="_self"><ins>$113 billion</ins></a> in potential annual lifetime earnings because we’ve failed to close the literacy gap (go to <a href="http://www.palieracy.org/resources" target="_self"><ins>www.palieracy.org/resources</ins></a> to see the literacy crisis’ impact on your county). That’s not just a crisis for students—it’s an economic emergency for the entire commonwealth.
Reading is the foundation for all future learning and opportunity. Other states are acting boldly and seeing results. We can’t afford to fall behind.
We’re calling on legislative leadership to:
<ul>
<li style="margin-left:18pt;">Pass SB 700 / HB 684 — Support comprehensive, science-aligned literacy legislation</li>
<li style="margin-left:18pt;">Fund $100 million in the FY26 budget to support structured literacy training, materials, and coaching</li>
</ul>
Let’s ensure every child in Pennsylvania has the opportunity to learn to read and thrive. When kids read, PA succeeds! &nbsp;

The Path to Passage: How We Get This Over the Finish Line

Tell PA Leaders: Don’t Leave Our Kids—and Our Future—Behind

Urge legislative leadership to fund structured literacy and pass SB 700 / HB 684 now

I’m writing as a concerned Pennsylvanian to urge you to prioritize literacy and support both the passage of SB 700 / HB 684 and a $100 million investment in evidence-based reading instruction in the FY26 budget.

Right now, more than 65% of Pennsylvania’s 4th graders are not reading at a proficient level—an urgent crisis that demands bold action. The consequences are devastating, especially for students of color and those from low-income communities.

But this isn’t just an education issue—it’s an economic one. Our failure to close the literacy gap is costing Pennsylvania more than $113 billion in potential lifetime earnings. That’s an enormous missed opportunity for our students and our economy (See the impact on your own county at www.paliteracy.org/resources.)

The good news? We know what works. States like Mississippi, Louisiana, and even our neighbors in New Jersey have shown measurable gains by aligning reading instruction, teacher preparation, and materials with the science of reading. Pennsylvania should lead next.

I urge you to:

- Vote yes on SB 700 / HB 684, which lays out a clear, science-aligned roadmap to improve reading outcomes across the state
- Support an $100 million in FY26 funding to ensure teachers have the tools, training, and support they need to teach every child how to read

Our children deserve a real chance to succeed—and it starts with reading. When kids read, Pennsylvania succeeds.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our students.

Sincerely,