Numerous stories have appeared in the media recently about the ongoing shortfall in State of Ohio revenues and the impact this shortfall will have on local governments and libraries. There are two proposals at the State level that could affect Library funding. First, the State’s biennial budget process is currently underway. The first step in this process is the introduction of the Governor’s budget. In his budget introduced in early February, Governor Taft proposed freezing the Library and Local Government Support Fund (LLGSF) for the remainder of calendar year 2005. Beginning in January 2006, the frozen LLGSF distributions would be reduced by 5% each month through June 2007, the end of the budget biennium. This would amount to a $2.4 million decrease in the LLGSF for our library in 2006.
Governor Taft has also proposed tax reform that would reduce personal income taxes by 21%. A reduction in collections of personal income tax could result in a reduction of library funding unless provisions are made to protect library funding from this cut.
What kind of impact will the proposed budget changes have on the Library?
Depending on the final terms of the budget, it is conceivable that the Library will suffer an annual loss of several million dollars. The loss of this money could affect the Library in a variety of ways, including:
- Less money for purchasing new books and materials
- Reduced hours of service, staffing, and operations
- Cut backs in the number of electronic databases available
- Deferred capital projects (upgrading branches, improving computerization, etc)
When will the new budget go into effect?
The state budget is currently before the Ohio House of Representatives. Once approved by the House, it will move to the Senate. Because it goes into effect on July 1, the legislature is required to finalize the budget no later than June 30.
What action has been taken?
The Library Board of Trustees is contacting Hamilton County Representatives to advocate for no further reduction to library funding. The Ohio Library Council and public libraries across Ohio are involved in communication and lobbying efforts at the local and state level.
What can you do to help?
Contact your legislators and voice your opposition to any further reductions in state funding for libraries.
