A program designed to help Missouri youngsters get a firm grasp on reading is finally being funded. The “Read to Be Ready” program was pushed through the legislature by House Speaker Steve Gaw of Moberly last year, yet it didn’t receive any funding…until this year. The state budget that has just gone into effect provides $6.7 million dollars in school grants for Kindergarten through 3rd Grade reading programs. Gaw says reading is the fundamental skill needed for a child to do well in school.