Gov. Mike Braun wants to ensure Hoosier children can continue receiving free books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library despite omitting funding for the literacy program from his proposed state budget.
In 2023, Indiana lawmakers allocated $6 million over two years for the imagination library that mails one book a month to participating Hoosier children from birth to age five to boost literacy rates and foster a love of reading among kids and families.
That effort was spearheaded by Republican former Gov. Eric Holcomb who said he learned at a young age reading is the key to education and opportunity.
"The ability to read can transport children to places they have never been before and open doors they never knew existed. By making Dolly Parton's Imagination Library available in every zip code, we are giving Hoosier children the tools they need for literary success," Holcomb said at the program's launch.
Braun, a Republican who took office Jan. 13, did not include any money to continue the program in the two-year state budget plan he presented to the Republican-controlled General Assembly. Instead, it prioritized government efficiency and cutting state spending.
The House, likewise, left out funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in the version of House Bill 1001 it approved Thursday.
But after a wave of national criticism, Braun did an about-face Friday by requesting his wife find sufficient non-governmental funding to maintain Indiana's participation in the program.
"I have asked my gracious wife, first lady Maureen Braun, to spearhead an initiative to keep Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Indiana. She has agreed and she will work with philanthropic partners and in consultation with state leadership to identify funding opportunities for the book distribution program," said Mike Braun, a multimillionaire auto parts magnate.
Jeff Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation, said he's pleased the imagination library will continue to bring the joy of reading to more than 125,000 Hoosier children each month in all 92 Indiana counties.
"We look forward to working with the governor and first lady, state leaders and local program partners to keep books in the hands of Indiana’s youngest learners and strengthen this foundation for a lifetime of success," Conyers said.
The money also still could be added to the $46.7 billion state budget by the Senate.
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