Governor Ron DeSantis Holds “New Worlds of Reading Initiative” Press Conference At IRSC

Governor Ron DeSantis Holds “New Worlds of Reading Initiative” Press Conference At IRSC

July 22, 2021 Robert Lane

FORT PIERCE—On Thursday, July 22, Indian River State College hosted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, and members of the Treasure Coast legislative delegation as the Governor celebrated the signing of House Bill 3 and announced that the State is investing $270 million in literacy initiatives. Introduced by Representative Dana Trabulsy, the bill creates the “New Worlds Reading Initiative,” Florida’s first statewide book distribution program. Trabulsy maintains an office on the IRSC Massey Campus in Fort Pierce.

Through this new program, children in kindergarten through fifth grade who read below grade level can receive free high-quality books delivered directly to their homes. In addition to the New Worlds Reading Initiative, which represents a $200 million investment, Florida is also utilizing an additional $71 million to fund and support other literacy initiatives.

After the ceremonial bill signing, pre-K students from the IRSC Child Development Center presented the song “My Florida Alphabet” for the Governor and event guests.