7/2/07 Governor Signs State Budget Bill
On June 30, Gov. Strickland signed into law the state's 2008-09 budget and, with it, began a new era of stability and the opportunity for growth in public library funding in Ohio .
Beginning in January 2008, Ohio 's public libraries will be funded through 2.22% of the state's general tax revenue. The new funding source broadens the base of library funding to all General Revenue tax revenues, not just personal income tax. The funding is projected to generate approximately $463 million for public libraries in calendar year 2008, and $465 million in 2009. Although a modest increase, the proposed funding change does allow for a true funding partnership between the state and public libraries. As the opportunities for state revenue grow, so will the funding for public libraries.
For the remainder of 2007, public library funding would remain frozen as it has since 2002.
Watch the July issue of Access for more information.
