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SAVE YOUR LIBRARY Governor's Budget Proposal Cuts library funding by 50% beginning July 1st At a news conference on Friday, June 19, the Governor proposed an additional cut in the PLF of $112.5 million in fiscal year 2010 and $114.8 million in 2011 as part of his "framework" to fill the $3.2 billion gap in the budget that must be balanced by Ohio General Assembly's Conference Committee by June 30. This will mean a more than 50% cut in funding for many of Ohio's public libraries. With some 70% of the state's 251 public libraries relying solely on the PLF to fund their operations, the reduction in funding will mean that many will close completely, close branches, or drastically cut hours and services. The Governor's proposed funding cuts come at a time when Ohio's public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demands for services. In every community throughout the state, Ohioans are turning to their public library for free high speed Internet to access information on employment opportunities, children and teens are beginning summer reading programs, and people of all ages are turning to the library for information and entertainment. Ohio's public libraries offer CRITICAL services to those looking for jobs and operating small businesses. Public libraries are an integral part of education, which Governor Strickland says is critical to the state's economic recovery. The Upper Arlington Public Library is one of about 30% of Ohio's public libraries that have local property tax levies that supplement the state's funding. However, with the Governor's proposed drastic cuts in the PLF, we will face decisions regarding substantial reductions in hours of operation, materials, and staffing.  The Upper Arlington Public Library would lose approximately $1.4 million in state revenue annually. For more information call the library office at 614-486-0900, visit the Save Ohio Libraries website, or the Ohio Library Council CALL or EMAIL the Governor and your legislators and tell them to maintain library funding. Governor Ted Strickland614-466-3555 contact online Senator Bill Harris, President of the Senate 614-466-8086 SD19@senate.state.oh.us Senator John Carey, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee 614-466-8156 SD17@senate.state.oh.us Ted Celeste, Representative 24th District 614-644-6005 District24@ohr.state.oh.us Senator Jim Hughes, 16th District 614-466-5981 SD16@senate.state.oh.us |
