Sponsors
The bill directs substantial federal funds and evidence‑based supports to expand literacy—especially in 'book deserts' and for children with disabilities—while imposing matching, evidence, reporting, and eligibility rules that raise costs, administrative burdens, and the risk of excluding smaller providers or some needy areas.
Students and young children nationwide will get multi-year federal funding—$100 million per year (2026–2031) with authority to request supplemental funds—allowing programs to scale and plan.
Children living in identified 'book deserts' will get substantially increased access to books and reading programs because a large share of funds (including at least 70% targeted dollars) and federal guidance prioritize those communities.
Students (including those with learning disabilities) will benefit from prioritization of evidence-based literacy programs grounded in the science of reading and dedicated set‑asides (e.g., 15% for early screening/intervention), improving instruction and early supports.
Taxpayers could face increased federal spending and potential deficits (including from supplemental funding requests) to support the program, increasing budgetary pressure.
New and frequent reporting, evaluation, and evidence requirements will raise administrative and data costs for grantees and the federal government, potentially diverting funds from direct services and slowing rollouts.
Small nonprofits, community organizations, and low‑income communities may be strained by a 25% non‑Federal match requirement, maintenance‑of‑effort conditions, and caps on operating expenses, limiting their ability to compete for grants.
Based on analysis of 18 sections of legislative text.
Creates a federal grant program and clearinghouse to expand book access, support evidence-based literacy and family literacy, coordinate agencies, and authorizes $100M/year for FY2026–2031.
Introduced March 9, 2026 by Andy Kim · Last progress March 9, 2026
Creates a federal competitive grant program and a national clearinghouse to expand children’s access to books and support evidence-based literacy and family-literacy programs in underserved "book deserts." The program prioritizes awards to organizations serving areas with limited book access, funds early screening and educator training for learning disabilities, requires data collection and reporting, coordinates federal agencies, and authorizes $100 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2031.