REQUESTING THE OBSERVATION OF "READ ACROSS AMERICA", A NATIONAL CELEBRATION, AND DECLARING MARCH 1, 2002 AS "READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY".

WHEREAS, the New Mexico legislature stands firmly committed to promoting reading as the catalyst for our students' future academic success, their preparation for America's jobs of the future and their ability to compete in a global economy; and

WHEREAS, this legislature has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education of our youth, grounded in the principle that educational investment is key to the state's well-being and long-term quality of life; and

WHEREAS, "Read Across America" is a national celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 1, sponsored by the national education association, promoting reading and adult involvement in the education of our nation's students;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the citizens of New Mexico would be well served if every child were in a safe place reading together with a caring adult on the evening of March 1, 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that March 1, 2002 be declared as "Read Across America Day" in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that "Read Across America" and

programs and activities to make New Mexico's children the

best readers in the world be enthusiastically endorsed.