For Immediate Release: April 8, 2003

Audio Clip

Sen. Daisy Lawler

Prison Pilot Reading Program Signed Into Law

A bill aimed at teaching inmates how to read has been signed into law. Senator Daisy Lawler is the principal author of SB 575, which was co-authored in the House by Representative Elmer Maddux. Lawler said she was thrilled Governor Henry approved the measure.

“This is my first bill to get signed, so that’s very exciting. But more than that, I’m excited about this program and the potential it has to turn people’s lives around,” said Lawler, D-Comanche.

“We know there is a link between crime and illiteracy. In Oklahoma, at least 40 percent of all inmates read at or below the 8th grade level. If a person can’t read well, they’re much more likely to wind up either on welfare or in prison. We can help these inmates get the skills they need to make better lives for themselves.”

Approved by the governor on Monday, SB 575 gives the State Department of Corrections the authorization to create a pilot program to teach reading through phonetics.

“Saxon Publishing, which is based here in Oklahoma, is donating the materials and will train the DOC teachers already in the system, so there’s virtually no cost to the state. But in years ahead, this program could save Oklahoma million of dollars. Teaching inmates to read will reduce recidivism and enable them to become productive members of society,” said Lawler.

The first pilot program will be at the Charles E. “Bill” Johnson Correctional Center in Alva. Senator Lawler said other facilities could be added to the program in the future.

“Considering the situation with the state budget, I think it is wonderful we’ve found a way to create such an important program at no cost to taxpayers. I want to commend Saxon publishing for their support and enthusiasm. This is a public-private partnership that will benefit Oklahoma for years to come,” said Lawler.


For more information, contact:
Senate Communications Division - (405) 521-5774