Dear Library Advocate, I am happy to report that the Legislature approved a $3 million restoration in Library Aid last night as well as language that would make permanent the supplemental system aid and the ability of the commissioner to grant waivers from local maintenance of effort requirements. In addition, the Governor’s proposal to merge School Library Materials Aid with Textbook/Software Aid was rejected.
Given a $10 billion deficit, these accomplishments are something to cheer about. The Senate had proposed a $4.2 million restoration of the $8.45 million cut recommended by the Governor, but the Assembly would only support a $3 million restoration. Total Library Aid would now be $79 million, down from $84.45 million last year.
The Legislature also restored approximately $230 million in school aid (of proposed $1.5 billion cut) and maintained flat funding of $4.3 million for Adult Literacy Education (ALE).
I want to thank everyone who advocated for libraries this year, it really made a difference.
Michael J. Borges
Executive Director
New York Library Association
6021 State Farm Road
Guilderland, New York 12084
518-432-6952, ext. 101
518-427-1697 (fax)
director@nyla.org