12/11/09 Action Needed on HB 318 – Contact Senators Now!
Important Message from Lynda Murray, OLC Director of Government and Legal Services:
Many of us had hoped that we could quietly negotiate a resolution to HB 318 – the latest legislative effort to balance the state's biennial budget. That now appears to be impossible. HB 318 would have to become law by Dec. 31, and there are only two more scheduled Senate sessions – on Tues., Dec. 15, and Wed., Dec. 16.
So, it is time for us to join those who represent higher education, K-12 education, health and human services, local governments, children's services, and all the others who realize that this inaction by the Ohio Senate, if not reversed, will result in further cuts that will dramatically impact Ohio's ability to recover from this economy – including additional cuts to already devastated public libraries.
This is not just about Save Ohio Libraries; this is about Save Ohio. I would like to reactivate our grassroots network immediately, and for a short period of time. Our focus is the Ohio Senate, both parties. Libraries should include links to Senate contacts in their e-mails. I believe our message is as follows (certainly feel free to modify it):
There is an important proposal before the Ohio Senate that requires immediate action. This proposal would postpone the final cut in the state income tax. Although this proposal means that Ohioans will not pay any more state income taxes than they did in 2009, it will provide enough money to the state to balance the budget next year.
Cuts in Ohio 's budget have already been severe. Public libraries are only one example but, as you know, most libraries have had to cut hours, lay off staff, close branches, reduce materials, and a variety of other measures that have limited your access to important library services. This is also true of local governments that have experienced cuts for police and fire and other essential services. No one has gone unaffected by the state's budget cuts.
Without Senate support of HB 318, more cuts to libraries and other important services are on the way. This bill must pass before the Ohio Senate is scheduled to adjourn on December 16.
Remember the focus of this message should be the Ohio Senate. The Ohio House and the Governor are already in support of HB 318. This is not a tax increase, only a postponement of the final cut to the state income tax.
