Response-to-complaint letter from Saxby Chambliss(R) to me (RIF)

[XanaDUer]

Dear XXXXX:

Thank you for contacting my office about funding for the Inexpensive Book Distribution Program (IBDP). It is good to hear from you.


Every child in Georgia 's public school system should learn to read to their maximum potential by the third grade. This is one of my top priorities because reading is the foundation to our children's academic success and the gateway to knowledge.


IBDP is administered through " Reading is Fundamenta l (RIF) ." It was established by Congress to prepare young children and to motivate older children to read. The program is targeted at the portion of the population that can least afford books, including low-in come children in high poverty areas, children with disabilities, foster children, homeless children, and migrant children. On December 18, 2007, the Senate passed H.R. 2764, the " Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2008 ," which included $ 25 m illion in appropriations for RIF . The President's proposed FY0 9 budget request does not include funding for the program.


I understand your concerns regardi ng the President's proposed FY09 budget request. However, it is important to remember that it is just the starting point in the budget deliberations. As the Senate works through the FY0 9 appropriations process, I will work to ensure that all education programs receive appropriate funding.


Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with me on this important matter. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.

My point:

NOT SURE HOW EVERY CHILD WILL BE READING TO HIS OR HER FULL POTENTIAL BY GRADE 3

My reading level and comprehension, at age 42 with one master's degree, is far better than it was when I was 8 years old.

My response to Saxy Chambliss' stupid letter...

Dear Honorable Saxby Chambliss:

Thank you for responding to my letter with such alacrity. However, please clarify one section for me:

Every child in Georgia's public school system should learn to read to their maximum potential by the third grade. This is one of my top priorities because reading is the foundation to our children's academic success and the gateway to knowledge.

I am not sure I understand what is meant by this sentence. How can anyone learn to read to his or her maximum potential by circa age 8?

Are you saying that you believe that the American and Georgia government's obligation to educate its children stops once they reach a third-grade reading level? And, what would you consider, "appropriate funding"? Appropriate is a rather ambiguous word. I am very interested in what your actual position is on the important matter of education funding in general.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[XanaDUer]

1. Auto response from Saxby Chambliss

Thank you for contacting me. Representing the State of Georgia in the United States Senate is an honor and a privilege.

I appreciate hearing from you and knowing your concerns. This automated response serves as a receipt of your e-mail message. However, if you'd like a response to your question or query please use the 'Email' option located under the 'Contact Us' menu at http://chambliss.senate.gov

Due to the large volume of spam and other commercial mail sent to this address and limitations on office resources I am unable to directly respond to messages sent to this address.

*** If you are having a problem with a specific government agency, the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 requires that I have your written authorization, signed by you, in order to contact the agency about the problem. Since electronic communications do not meet the requirements of the Federal Privacy Act, please call 1-800-234-4208 or visit my website and select "How Can I Help You?" from the menu at the left, then select "Case Work" for information on beginning the process.***

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. I look forward to staying in touch.

Very truly yours,

Saxby Chambliss

:eyes: