Other peoples' reading abilities do have an impact on the country's economy. Here are some examples:
1. Health. People that can read seek more medical health in a proactive way rather then high cost emergency visits. They know more about contraceptive which makes a difference in their reproductive behavior. Illiteracy in low income families leads to dependence on welfare, which is a burden on the state.
2. Prisons. 3 of 5 inmates in the United States can not read. The taxpayer has to pay for the upkeep of the prisoners, the maintenance of the prison facilities and the wages for the people working there.
3. Jobs. People with limited or non reading abilities have problems finding well paying job. This reduces their mobility in the labor market and makes them more prone to depend on additional, state paid help ( food stamps, welfare, charities) in order to care for their basic needs.
