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Letter to Senators Dianne Feinstein & Barbara Boxer
The following letters were sent to Senators Dianne Feinstein & Barbara Boxer, requesting an amendment to S. 1, page 396, line 13 that will allow increased public library funding as part of the coming $782 million stimulus package:
Dear Senator,
On behalf of the California Library Association and our 3,000 members from around the state, I strongly urge you to amend S. 1, page 396, line 13 to read as follows:
SEC. 1402. State Uses of Funds
(b) Other Government Services.
For each fiscal year, the Governor may use up to 39 percent of the State's allocation under section 1301 for public safety and other government services, which may include assistance for elementary and secondary education, public institutions of higher education and public libraries.
By including the words "and public libraries" to this legislation, libraries would have access to funding that would enable them to move forward on $782 million in shovel ready projects. Enclosed with this letter is a spreadsheet that demonstrates that these projects are located throughout the state -north, south and central.
As you know, the demand on public libraries is growing dramatically throughout the state as more people turn to libraries for assistance in finding employment, accessing public assistance programs, and improving their computer and literacy skills. Many libraries in our state are over 40 years old, are not ADA compliant and lack the necessary technological infrastructure to serve the growing demand for internet access.
The library community of California would greatly appreciate your action on this matter. If there is further information we can provide you, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you for your consideration of this request, and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Barbara L. Roberts, President
California Library Association
Posted on February 4, 2009 11:39 AM | Permalink