Indiana Budget Proposal Cuts Dolly Parton's Book Program Funding

Dolly Parton is urging Indiana Governor Mike Braun to restore funding for her Imagination Library initiative, which provides free books to children from birth to age five. The recent budget proposal by the Indiana House of Representatives omitted the state's usual 50% matching funds, putting the program at risk. Parton's initiative has been credited with improving Indiana's literacy ranking from 19th to 6th in the nation and serves children across every county in the state. Speculation about the funding cuts suggests possible connections to broader educational and censorship debates. Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Maureen Bauer, are advocating for the restoration of funds, emphasizing the program's importance for early childhood literacy. The budget discussions are ongoing as both parties prepare to negotiate a final version for the state Senate.