Keep Heat on the Governor & Legislators as Budget Deal Nears

There are strong indications that a state budget deal finally may be in the offing.  Optimism is tempered with some caution since the difference in overall funding still may be more than $200 million.  Individual line items—including those for libraries—remain fluid.  As such, as we enter what may be a crucial final stage, library funding levels remain uncertain and perhaps in great danger if negotiators adopt a “split-the-difference” mentality without careful consideration of what such arbitrary actions may mean for folks who need libraries.

Action Needed:
1.    Keep the heat on Governor Rendell.  Call his office (717-787-2500) or send an email http://www.capwiz.com/ala/pa/issues/alert/?alertid=14045271.  Remind him of his own press release on August 11 where he stated:  “I refuse to agree to a budget that makes devastating cuts in programs that support children, families and job-seekers….” and where he stated, “I am fighting for a $68 million library subsidy.”  Urge him to level-fund or, at the very least, not agree to less than $68 million for the Public Library Subsidy.  
2.    Keep the heat on State Senators and State Representatives.  Call or email them http://www.capwiz.com/ala/pa/issues/alert/?alertid=14045271.  Remind them that libraries are busier than ever serving jobseekers, their kids, and families struggling to make ends meet.  Point out that libraries, by sharing materials and providing free access, stretch taxpayer dollars farther than any other public service.  Tell your personal story about the value of your library.  If you need a phone number, go to PaLA’s online legislative directory:  http://palibraries.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=230.

The Governor is expected to sign today a bill that provides a financial rescue for the City of Philadelphia. This plan precludes a doomsday scenario that would have shut down a wide range of city services, including the main library and all branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia.  This, of course is a relief for the citizens of Philadelphia, for library workers and users, and indeed for all of us who benefit from resources loaned by the Free Library.  While this action is not directly connected to the state budget impasse, the fact that both parties could agree on a rescue plan may bode well for a resolution soon for the overall state budget.

Please keep plugging.  We still have reason to be hopeful for a better outcome.  Thanks for all of your hard work.  We will post news of any developments as we learn them.

Glenn


Glenn R. Miller
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Library Association
220 Cumberland Parkway, Suite 10
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania  17055
phone:  717-766-7663
fax:  717-766-5440
e-mail:  glenn@palibraries.org