March 31, 2003
| TO: | Cla Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts |
| FROM: | Mike Dillon, Lobbyist Christina Dillon, Lobbyist |
| RE: | News From The Capitol |
I. Assemblyman Simitian and Senator Torlakson Introduce Resolution Celebrating California Libraries
Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) and Senator Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch) have introduced ACR 77, an Assembly resolution entitled "National Library Week." The resolution, introduced at the request of CLA, will provide statewide recognition for California's public libraries and the important services they offer, during the week of April 6 through 12, 2003. Due to the proposals pending in the State Budget to cut the Public Library Foundation program by $15.8 million, and eliminate all $12.1 million in funding for the Transaction Based Reimbursement program, CLA feels that National Library Week is an opportunity to remind lawmakers and the public of the importance of public libraries.
Assemblyman Simitian, the Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance and Senator Torlakson, the Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee are two of our biggest library champions at the Capitol. They were pleased to introduce the measure on CLA's behalf, and will formally bring the bill up on the floor prior to National Library Week. The resolution states in part: "Now, therefore be it resolved that the California State Assembly, during National Library Week, applaud the positive and vital impact of public libraries, librarians, and all library workers, and thank them for enriching the lives of residents and helping to make our state and exceptional place to live, learn, and work."
In anticipation of National Library Week, you may wish to consider planning a local event in your district, and coordinate efforts with your legislators. Some libraries will be considering press opportunities, such as dimming the lights one hour during National Library Week to demonstrate the plight of local libraries, particularly funding for the PLF and TBR in this year's Budget.
II. Public School Libraries Fall Victim to Mid-Year Cuts
You will recall that the Senate and Assembly worked for weeks on the Governor's proposed "Mid Year Cuts" to education. Ultimately both houses passed SB 18x (1st extraordinary session), which contained the mid-year cuts, as adopted by the Senate and Assembly Budget subcommittees on Education Finance. Contained in this package of cuts signed by Governor Davis, was a final compromise regarding school library funding. Unfortunately, the school libraries were reduced to $11.6 million. According to Jeff Frost, the lobbyist for the school libraries, "This figure cuts the current year funding in half from the agreement made in August when the 2002-03 Budget was signed by the Governor. This reduction is a compromise between the Senate's desire to eliminate all school library funding in the current year and the Assembly's refusal to make any additional reductions. The statute requires funding of school libraries at $158 million which had been done for each of the last four years."
The Governor's January Budget also proposes to include the School Library Fund into a massive "block grant" of 63 other categorical programs. While the proposal aims to provide greater flexibility for school districts in the way their money may be spent, the school library community is opposed to eliminating the line item for their issue, by rolling it in to this larger funding category.
III. Library Advocate in Governor's Office Resigns
Recently, we were saddened to learn that Mike Gotch, the Governor's Secretary for Legislation, has resigned his position in the Administration. Mr. Gotch was an Assemblyman for several years, Chaired the Assembly Local Government Committee, and then later became one of the Governor's top policy directors. In his role as Administration Secretary, CLA leadership met with Mr. Gotch annually to lobby him about the Public Library Foundation, ERAF orphan libraries, and the library bond bills. He was quite approachable, often telling us, "I always have time for the Dillons." As one of our strongest advocates for libraries, we could count on him to be well prepared for our meetings, having done his own research on the issues prior to our arrival. He also worked very well with legislators involved in CLA' issues, striving to help them craft solutions, make suggestions, or lend support. He played a critical role in the passage of SB 3-Rainey/Burton/Alpert (the 1999 library bond bill) and had been advising us on strategy and content of SB 40-Alpert (the 2003 library bond bill introduced this year.)
In one of our favorite, and final meetings with him in the Governor's office, Mr. Gotch proudly produced two library cards with his name on them: one for use in San Diego, and one for use in Napa where he currently resides, prompting a round of applause from the CLA leadership. He will be sorely missed.