7/2/09 State Budget/Library Funding Update
The Ohio Library Council continues to work very hard to effectively represent Ohio's libraries in discussions regarding public library funding and the state budget. While things may appear to be relatively calm right now, a lot of activity is going on behind the scenes. This is a normal part of the budget process. The OLC's work continues – just in a less public arena.
The OLC staff and its contacts in the legislature and the Governor's office are in constant communication. All parties have been receptive to the OLC's message and the discussions have been productive.
Here's what we know:
• Legislators have been listening to their constituents and are working very hard to minimize any funding cuts to public libraries.
• Public libraries MAY experience some funding cut but every indication is that it will not be near the 30% cut proposed by the Governor.
• The General Assembly approved an interim budget through July 7, and public library funding continues at 2.22% of the state's general tax revenue and with no cuts at this time.
• The House already has introduced a resolution to allow for a second budget extension through July 14, if it appears the 2010-11 budget cannot be approved by July 7.
Here's what we don't know:
• How much of a cut, if any, public libraries will experience in the biennium budget.
• When the biennium budget will be approved.
• If there are issues besides slot machines that are still unresolved.
