Memorandum in Support

 Adult Basic Education Bill  
A.5283 - Assemblyman Glick

The New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers strongly supports A.5283 that seeks to expand access to adult basic education for individuals receiving public assistance, including literacy, English as a Second Language and high school equivalency education.

Educational barriers play a critical role in the lives of a significant number of people receiving public assistance in New York State, making obtaining and maintaining employment increasingly difficult. Studies show that over fifty percent of TANF recipients in New York State do not have a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED). A 1992 survey found that approximately forty-five percent of recipients in New York State have the lowest level of literacy and therefore are unable to complete a job application, read a food label or a simple children's story. Given their low educational levels, current and former TANF recipients who are working are in low-wage jobs experience little earnings growth and struggle to earn a living wage.

Education is clearly the key to economic security and financial independence. Levels of education and degrees of success in the labor market are strongly linked; higher levels of education produce higher earnings return. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2000), the median weekly earnings of full-time workers age 25 and over were $506 for those with a high school diploma, compared to $360 for those without a high school diploma. Adults with higher levels of literacy and English language proficiency are likely to work more, and when working, are likely to earn higher wages.

Access to education is essential for long-term success in welfare policy. New York State law should encourage and support people receiving benefits access education as a route to achieving economic independence and security.