News from the California Library Association:
California’s 2011-2012 budget “presented some very tough challenges for three major library programs – the California Library Services Act, the Public Library Foundation, and the state literacy program. These programs continue to be in jeopardy…”
In January, the Governor’s Budget proposed eliminating funding for these three programs ($30.4 million), but compromises kept half of it ($15.2 million).
Part of the 2011-12 budget agreement was AB 121, the “Budget Trigger” bill, listing items that could be cut if the revenue forecast fell below $87,452,500,000. This would zero out the $15.2 million. The proposed public library cuts are on a list of reductions along with major cuts to UC and CSU, In Home Support Services, and juvenile justice programs, among others.
This will have a huge impact on local library services. It will dismantle California’s cooperative loan program, end library adult literacy programs serving approximately 20,000, and could impact millions in federal funding as well.
Libraries are a vital resource now for citizens needing job leads, resources for self-teaching, and also life-long learning opportunities. Write the governor and your legislators today to urge preservation of state library funding!
The Honorable Edmund G. Brown, Jr.
Governor, State of California
State Capitol, Room, 1173
Sacramento, CA. 95814
CC’s to the following
The Honorable Darrell Steinberg
Senate President pro Tempore
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 205
Sacramento, CA. 95814
The Honorable Bob Dutton
Senate Minority Leader
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 305
Sacramento, CA. 95814
The Honorable John A. Perez
Speaker of the California State Assembly
State Capitol, Room 219
Sacramento, CA. 95814
The Honorable Connie Conway
Assembly Republican Leader
State Capitol, Room 3104
Sacramento, CA. 95814