- Missouri is reducing state funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an early childhood reading program that mails free books to young children.
- The funding cut, part of Missouri's 2027 education budget reductions, means the program will no longer accept new enrollments starting July 1.
- Over 170,000 children in Missouri currently receive books, but existing funds may only last about four more months, potentially leading to a loss of monthly books for them.
- The Dollywood Foundation, which runs the program, stated it will not renew its contract with Missouri at the reduced funding level, leaving the program's future uncertain.
- While children already enrolled will continue receiving books for now, local organizations may need to step in to fund and coordinate the program if state support is not restored.
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