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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 15, 2023 02:13 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Liz Hanbidge |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Imagination Library Program |
| Throughout the United States and in Pennsylvania specifically, there have been troubling reports of many young students not demonstrating proficient ability on literacy achievement testing. Lack of resources, pandemic era learning disruption, and teacher shortages have impacted student learning and subsequently their love of reading. My legislation would partner Pennsylvania with local non-profit organizations and the Dollywood Foundation, with the purpose of mailing all registered children under the age of five a free, age-appropriate book each month. This legislation would be a statewide expansion of singer-songwriter Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. As of 2023, 20 states have enacted laws to establish statewide Imagination Library programs and, every month, over two million children receive a free book through these initiatives. All children deserve to be able to experience the joy of reading and, by passing this law, we will help ensure that all Pennsylvania children under the age of five have access to reading materials in their homes. Past studies regarding the program in other states have indicated that children receiving Imagination Library books have become more enthusiastic about reading, read more regularly with their families, and are more prepared students by the time they enroll in kindergarten. By making this investment in our children, we will be promoting reading and help ameliorate recent declines in reading achievement scores. Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation that will expand the Imagination Library program statewide and help provide books to all Pennsylvania children. |
Introduced as HB2025