Whereas, Profound economic and technological changes in our society have placed new responsibilities on our adult education system; and,

Whereas, Adult education is an investment in the present and the future, providing preventative strategies to reduce unemployment, low literacy levels, incarceration, and welfare costs; and,

Whereas, Adult education offers a variety of delivery systems that encompass local school districts, community-based organizations, and community colleges and adds value to the adult learner and the adult education program; and,

Whereas, Adult education is an economic issue as well as an educational issue; and,

Whereas, Adult education can strengthen families and help children enter school ready to learn, especially through family literacy programs; and,

Whereas, Adult education offers adult learners lifelong opportunities to improve basic skills such as reading, writing and mathematics, thus improving the quality of their lives and that of their families; and to learn new skills, which provide them with career choices along with economic independence; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of May 12, 2008, as Adult Education Week in Michigan.