As we've reported, Missouri's shut the doors to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, except for those students already inside.
That's why Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe takes issue when people say the literacy program has been cut out.
"Ya, we didn't eliminate the funds. We put it in our budget and the House supported it. It's not as heavy as the funding that was in previous years. We are still funding the Imagination Library in the state of Missouri," Kehoe tells KMOX.
It's not as heavy because, now, no new kids are allowed to enroll. Those already getting books will continue for the year.
Other states, of varying political persuasions, have faced the same funding issues, but those other states have still taken action to keep the free monthly books going out in the mail to kids.
Washington and Indiana both turned to private donors, with Indiana's first lady stepping up to be the face of the effort. In some areas, groups like the United Way contribute funding.
The most sustainable idea might come from Ohio, which is offering a Dolly Patron license plate. It costs $35 a year, $25 of that goes to fund the Imagination Library of Ohio, supporting kids in the county where the plate is purchased. Tennessee is the only other state that does this.
