Congressional Action to support ESL learners

The following message appears on the US Advocacy Action Center for TESOL. Read it carefully. If you want to take action to support this initiative, please take go to the following address:

http://capwiz.com/tesol/issues/alert/?alertid=11720101

******

As all ESL educators know, immigrants to the United States have made significant economics, social, and cultural contributions that enable the countryto better understand the rest of the world. A new bill introduced both in the House and Senate honors those contributions by providing immigrant families access to critical assistance such as English language and civics education. The Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act will help immigrant communities become a more integral part of the American fabric and maximize their social and economic contributions. This bill, sponored by Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) in the House and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) in the Senate will:
Increase resources for adult education by codifying English literacy and civics adult education programs and creating a new appropriation for these programs.
Increase the authorization for Even Start Family Literacy programs to $350 million.Provide resources for expanded learning time programs for English language learners in middle and high school.
Create a $1,500 tax credit for teachers of English language learners and a deduction for their certification.
Create a 20% tax credit to employers that expend their resources to provide English language instruction and GED training.
Make grant money available to states to establish New American Councils that bring together business, faith, civic, philanthropic, non-profit and education stakeholders to create and implement immigrant integration programs.
Urge your members of Congress to support this important initiative by asking them to co-sponsor the Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act!