05/15/06 OLC Board Adopts Resolution Opposing TEL
At its meeting on May 12, the Ohio Library Council Board of Directors unanimously adopted the following resolution opposing the proposed Tax and Expenditure Limitation (TEL) constitutional amendment.
Resolution
of the Ohio Library Council
Opposing the proposed TEL Constitutional Amendment to be on the statewide November 2006 ballot
Whereas, the Ohio Library Council represents all 251 public libraries in Ohio; and
Whereas, the public libraries in Ohio are ranked as the best public libraries in the nation; and
Whereas, the mission of public libraries is to provide to all people the highest quality library and information services and public access to information; and
Whereas, this free exchange of and access to information is the cornerstone of our democracy; and
Whereas, the Ohio Library Council believes that public libraries are outstanding stewards of the public funds; and
Whereas, the proposed Constitutional Amendment known as the TEL threatens to devastate the funding of public libraries and also limit the local library boards and communities from deciding how best to spend their resources; and
Whereas, the Ohio Library Council supports well-crafted legislation, thoughtful debate and deliberation that reduces excess in government; and
Whereas, the TEL raises serious questions with respect to the drafting and wording which will ultimately place implementation of this amendment in the hands of the Courts, at an immense cost to taxpayers; now, therefore be it
Resolved , That on the 12 th day of May 2006, the Board of Directors of the Ohio Library Council do hereby pass this resolution opposing the passage of the TEL and encourage the voters throughout Ohio to reject the proposal; and be it further
Resolved, That the Ohio Library Council and its members take all necessary steps to engage in efforts to defeat the TEL amendment.
All public library Boards of Trustees are encouraged to adopt resolutions in opposition to the TEL amendment. The goal is to have all 251 of Ohio 's libraries publicly acknowledge their opposition to this proposal. A sample resolution can be found on the OLC Web site. When your library board passes the resolution, please notify your OLC Legislative Network representative or Lynda Murray at lmurray@olc.org .
