This memo is designed to assist Wisconsin's Special Committee on Employment Disincentives in reviewing the issue of adult illiteracy. Section A provides information on the extent of illiteracy in the United States. Section B discusses selected literacy programs at the federal, state, and local levels. Results are provided of a study of federal activities that address the problem of illiteracy among the nation's adult population, including 79 literacy-related programs administered by 14 federal agencies. Next are described those state education and training programs administered by the Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education (VTAE) System; the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS); and the Department of Industry, Labor, and Human Relations (DILHR) that have a primary focus on adult illiteracy. VTAE system programs include general educational development, adult basic education, goal-oriented adult learning, adult high school, and English as a second language. DHSS programs include the Wisconsin Employment Opportunities Program. DILHR administration of the Federal Job Training Partnership Act in the state is also discussed. A brief section on the private sector mentions Project Literacy U.S., Laubach Literacy Action, and Literacy Volunteers of America. (YLB)