September 2025 Designated as 'National Literacy Month': Acknowledging the $224 Billion Cost of Illiteracy

This resolution officially designates September 2025 as “National Literacy Month.” While it doesn’t pass any new laws or allocate new money, it serves as a massive public service announcement, officially recognizing a problem that costs the country hundreds of billions of dollars every year.

The resolution is crystal clear about the stakes: poor reading skills aren’t just a school problem. They cost taxpayers an estimated $224 billion annually and hit businesses with nearly $40 billion in losses due to lost productivity. For the 59 million adults currently struggling at the lowest literacy level, this translates directly to lower wages, fewer job opportunities, and higher rates of incarceration. This isn't abstract policy; it’s about who gets ahead and who gets left behind in the job market.

The Real Cost of Not Reading

The text highlights that the literacy gap disproportionately affects students of color, low-income families, and English learners. Think of it this way: if you’re a parent working two jobs, this resolution acknowledges that your kid might be starting school with fewer resources and less access to quality reading materials than their peers. By pointing out these disparities, the resolution sets the stage for future policy discussions focused on equity, ensuring that foundational skills aren’t only available to those who can afford them.

Backing Education with Science

One of the most important parts of this resolution is its strong endorsement of the "science of reading." This isn't some vague educational trend; it’s a body of research showing exactly how the brain learns to read, focusing on core skills like phonics (connecting letters to sounds) and phonemic awareness. By officially recognizing these evidence-based strategies, the resolution signals that future federal efforts should focus on methods proven to work, potentially pushing schools and teacher training programs to adopt more effective curricula. For teachers and parents, this is a nod toward instructional clarity and effectiveness.

What Happens in September 2025?

The resolution’s main action is simple: it calls on everyone—federal agencies, states, local schools, libraries, businesses, and regular citizens—to observe National Literacy Month with “appropriate programs and activities.” Since this is a resolution and not a mandate, there’s no specific funding or requirement attached. Its impact relies entirely on voluntary action. Libraries might host extra reading programs, businesses might sponsor book drives, and schools might launch new awareness campaigns. While it doesn't solve the problem overnight, it provides a national, month-long focal point for organizations already doing the heavy lifting, giving them a designated time to amplify their message and reach more people.