Oregon State 52nd District Representative Mark Johnson has introduced legislation to establish a reading initiative from age three to grade three.  The Hood River Republican says it is a strategic initiative that in many ways replicates what occurs in the Hood River County School District where he is a school board member, beginning with investing resources identifying what individual students need to become better readers, and then providing the tools necessary to help those children increase their literacy.  Johnson says it would be a grant based program, with the Oregon Department of Education awarding grants to districts who commit to implementing early reading programs.  But where the money would come from is less clear, with Johnson saying it fits into the “endgame” for a final budget solution, believing the business community is interesting in supporting the initiative.