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Republicans Cut State Funding for Imagination Library

8/26/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Republicans Cut Funding

Republican lawmakers cut state funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program.
Indiana removed its funding last year while more than 125,000 children were enrolled.
Missouri froze new enrollment on July 1 after reducing its contribution from $6 million to $2 million.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun said the state will seek private philanthropic funding to sustain the program.

Summary

Dolly Dies

Dolly Parton died at age 80, sparking nationwide tributes.
President Donald Trump announced a week-long flag-lowering at 6:00 PM to honor her.
Critics on X said Trump was politicizing the tribute while Republicans recently defunded the Imagination Library.
Michelle Anthony said Missouri failed to meet its funding commitment to the Dollywood Foundation.
The Dollywood Foundation’s Buddy Program cut dropout rates from 35% to 6%.

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Republicans Cut Funding

Republican lawmakers cut state funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program.
Indiana removed its funding last year while more than 125,000 children were enrolled.
Missouri froze new enrollment on July 1 after reducing its contribution from $6 million to $2 million.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun said the state will seek private philanthropic funding to sustain the program.

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