Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 23, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke unveils PSA in Spokane, urges region's businesses and individuals to 'get involved' in the Washington Reading Corps

SPOKANE — Gov. Gary Locke today unveiled a public service announcement (PSA) in Spokane featuring Locke and Seattle Mariners star shortstop Alex Rodriguez. The PSA urges businesses and citizens to "get involved" and "help hit a home run for kids" by helping children learn to read (see attached script).

"Now, we need more people to step up to the plate and get involved," Locke said at the East Central Community Center in Spokane. "In schools with Reading Corps programs, we saw an average increase of 11 percent in students who meet our rigorous fourth-grade reading standard, as compared to a statewide average of 6 percent. The proof is there — now we need help from businesses, community groups, and organizations to continue the Reading Corps success story."

Among those attending the Spokane event was Greg Baerlocher, principal of Audubon Elementary School.

"As a second-year Reading Corps school, we are seeing dramatic improvements in students who get the extra attention the Reading Corps provides," Baerlocher said. "I'd like to make a personal appeal for more businesses and community organizations in our region to get involved in the Washington Reading Corps."

Locke kicked off a statewide tour yesterday to help raise awareness for the Reading Corps and encourage citizen involvement. He also showed the PSA at an event in Yakima this morning, and on Friday he will show it in the Tri-Cities.

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