Republican legislators have cut funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which promotes childhood literacy, in their recently proposed budget.
, legislators in the Indiana House of Representatives recently proposed a biennial budget that did not include the usual 50 percent matching funds the state provides to finance the program. The other half is provided by the United Way and local community foundations.
The program would be unable to bear the full cost if the state reneges its funding. Parton’s Imagination Library serves young readers across the country, providing one book a month to kids from birth until age five. In Indiana, the program was heavily embraced and now serves every county in the state. It’s been credited with helping to push Indiana up the nationwide rankings in child literacy rates from 19th to sixth. Just this past January, Indiana’s outgoing Republican Governor, Eric Holcomb, hailed the program in an end-of-term op-ed for the. Noting the state’s investment in literacy education, he said, “One of these days, Dolly Parton will pay us a visit to celebrate the statewide embrace of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, another tool to help our kids read.” It’s unclear why exactly funding for the program was cut from Republican legislators’ proposed budget. Maureen Bauer, a Democratic state representative for South Bend said the initial budget was based on the priorities of Indiana’s new Republican Governor, Mike Braun. , said he was “hopeful that Governor Braun and the Indiana Legislature will continue this vital investment by restoring the state’s funding match for local Imagination Library programs. The beauty of the Imagination Library is that it unites us all — regardless of politics — because every child deserves the chance to dream big and succeed.” Conyers continued: “Indiana’s leaders have the opportunity right now, during this legislative session, to reaffirm their commitment to our Imagination Library partnership and the future of the state’s youngest children. We are currently seeking to work closely with key decision-makers to ensure that every child in Indiana, no matter where they live, can continue to receive the gift of books each month — free to their families and full of possibility.”The 100 Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century Bath & Body Works' Early Presidents' Day Deals Include Luxury Fragrance Dupes for Jo Malone, PHLUR & YSL for Just $611 months ago
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Read more »
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Read more »