Porter calls for the reinstatement of funding for the Imagination Library

Today, Feb. 6, the House Ways and Means Committee is hearing public testimony on Gov. Braun’s “Freedom and Opportunity” budget proposal, House Bill 1001. The budget proposal does not renew funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parton’s early literacy program mails free books to children from infancy to five regardless of income, location and other factors. The program started in Indiana with a matching grant of $6 million in 2023. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“Dolly Parton is arguably one of America’s biggest superstars. She has a cherished place in our country’s cultural history not only as a musician but also as a philanthropist. Many families' lives have been changed through one of her charitable works, especially with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. 

“Our state was blessed to join this program in 2023 through a $6 million matching grant. This literacy program mails a book a month directly to our Hoosier kids. By growing up in a home full of books, our young children practice their reading skills and foster a love of learning. 

“Now, without explanation, Gov. Braun chose not to renew the Library’s funding. This great program truly could be one-and-done. This administration’s cynical move is to defund a program centered on literacy and imagination. Our children will be left with their imagination but no library. Rest assured, House Dems will work ‘9 to 5’ to reinstate Dolly Parton’s library in the state budget.”