Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced his support yesterday for HB 12-1238, the Colorado Early Literacy Act. The bill was approved by the Colorado House and is co-sponsored by Senator Johnston, who is working to improve the bill as it moves through the Senate.

In a statement released on Monday, Mayor Hancock said:

“Children must be equipped with basic reading skills to learn and succeed in all other subject areas including math and science. With the recent Kids Count report showing only 44 percent of Denver’s fourth-graders are reading at grade level, it is clearer than ever that we must focus our attention on these vital skills.

“Early literacy is critical to our children’s lives as they transition from learning to read, to reading to learn. During these fundamental years in school, we must do everything we can to ensure that our children have the resources and support they need to learn to read so they can succeed in school and in life.

“We cannot deliver a world class city where everyone matters if our most vulnerable residents lack the basic skill upon which all other skills are built. By addressing literacy during our children’s formative years, we can dramatically change the course for thousands of Denver students and build a stronger city.”

Senator Johnston tweeted his excitement for the Mayor’s support:

https://twitter.com/MikeJohnstonCO/status/186871878802096129
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