Senator Portantino’s Statement on Inclusion of Dyslexia Risk Screening in the Budget

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2023

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

Senator Portantino’s Statement on Inclusion of Dyslexia Risk Screening in the Budget

Sacramento, CA - Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) released the following statement on the inclusion of screening for early reading challenges, including dyslexia, in the 2023-2024 Budget.

“I am extremely grateful that Governor Newsom included dyslexia risk screening in the budget. It’s critical that we are addressing and prioritizing dyslexia risk and early literacy to ensure that our children have the best education outcomes. Screening and early identification will assist students who need necessary support and help educators improve learning outcomes so students can close academic achievement gaps.

I was proud to collaborate with education experts, activists, professional athletes, and parents on this important issue. I appreciate the leadership of Decoding Dyslexia CA, EdVoice, and the California PTA for their tireless advocacy on the importance of early identification and intervention through screening and I am deeply appreciative of our Governor Newsom who prioritized literacy and made this important change to our education system.”

Earlier this year, Senator Portantino introduced Senate Bill 691, a bill aimed at improving literacy outcomes in children by requiring early identification and intervention for students who are at risk for dyslexia. The goals of SB 691 were incorporated and signed into this year’s budget in the Education Omnibus Budget Trailer Bill (SB 114).

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability with at least 10% of the general population having dyslexia—some estimate it to be over

15%. Both Governor Newsom and Senator Portantino are dyslexic.

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