Whereas, Literacy is critical to the health and prosperity of our citizens and to communities throughout Michigan and across the nation; and,

Whereas, Michigan Reading Month continues to highlight the importance of reading, increase public awareness of literacy challenges, and showcase the outstanding commitment that many of our citizens already have toward literature, language, and the arts; and,

Whereas, It is important that we continue to celebrate the importance of reading, look to overcome challenges to literacy, and further commit ourselves to the advancement and appreciation of written language; and,

Whereas, We know that reading to children in their first years of life stimulates their intellectual and social development and that reading with our children, when they themselves become readers, reinforces the importance of reading and learning throughout life; and,

Whereas, A firm foundation of reading skills will give our citizens access to every opportunity in life to succeed; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2006, as Michigan Reading Month, and I encourage all Michigan citizens to actively participate in literacy and literature appreciation activities.