Laura Bush becomes First Lady of Texas

Laura Bush became the First Lady of Texas when her husband, George W. Bush, was elected as the Governor of Texas. She served in this role from January 17, 1995, to December 21, 2000. During her tenure, she focused on women's and children's causes, including health, education, and literacy. She implemented four major initiatives: Take Time For Kids, a campaign to educate parents and caregivers on parenting; family literacy programs in cooperation with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy; Reach Out and Read, a pediatric reading program; and Ready to Read, an early childhood educational program. Additionally, she raised money for public libraries through the establishment of the Texas Book Festival in 1995 and promoted the Adopt-a-Caseworker Program to support Child Protective Services. She also advocated for Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer awareness. In mid-1999, her husband announced his campaign for President of the United States, which she supported. Laura Bush delivered a keynote address at the 2000 Republican National Convention, gaining national attention. Her husband resigned as Governor of Texas in December 2000 to prepare for his inauguration as President in January 2001.