Protect Library Funding: 2011-12 Budget

News From The Capitol

- ACTION REQUESTED -

LETTERS TO GOVERNOR-ELECT BROWN NEEDED ASAP: Protecting Library Funding in the 2011-12 Budget
CLA Weblog: December 9, 2010
by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

GOVERNOR-ELECT BROWN HOSTS BUDGET FORUM:
Deficit Could Grow By Another $2.7 Billion

Jan 3: Governor-Elect Jerry Brown will be sworn into office
Jan 10: Governor Brown by law must submit a balanced Budget

The Governor-Elect has been receiving regular briefings on the $25 billion projected Budget deficit for the 2011-12 year and he hosted a symposium for the members of the California Legislature to present to them the dire state of the State.

Governor-Elect Brown convened the forum by stating that he was "determined to do everything I can to get us back on track."

The Deficit may now actually be $28 Billion:
~ a potential estate tax revenue loss, depending on Congressional actions
~ unfunded pension liability (projected at $100 billion - $500 billion)
~ unemployment insurance liability ($10.3 billion)
~ outstanding Budget borrowing ($15.3 billion)
~ cost of implementing new health care reform mandates ($3.5 billion)

LETTERS TO GOVERNOR-ELECT BROWN NEEDED ASAP:
Protecting Library Funding in the 2011-12 Budget

CLA is unsure what Governor Brown's leaning will be toward the state financing of library programs:
~ Public Library Foundation
~ Transaction Based Reimbursement
~ California Library Literacy Services

The Legislature and the Governor-Elect will be operating under an "everything must be on the table" mentality as they examine their solutions for bringing the massive Budget deficit into correction.

Please take a moment and write the Governor-Elect
~ encourage his support of protecting library funding during this difficult time
~ include specific information pertinent to your local libraries such as:

[Tailor these to fit your own situation, please]

> County, city and special district libraries continue to be one of the hardest hit segments of local government. These libraries have had their funding reduced under Governors Davis and Schwarzenegger by over 72 percent. (PLF)

> Over the past years, many school districts have reduced or eliminated their teacher librarians or their school libraries. Public libraries then become the community's lifeline for students and their families for important programs such as Homework Help centers, early learning programs, etc.

> Door counts continue to rise at an amazing rate for most libraries and library branches. In this difficult economy libraries are a safety net for many people who have lost their home or jobs and are using their local library to write resumes, attend workshops on credit repair, and utilize free access to high speed Internet to look for work.

> Libraries are the "great equalizer," providing resources and materials to all types of patrons from all walks of life without the expectation of payment. To reduce or eliminate funding for the Public Library Foundation, Transaction Based Reimbursement, or literacy programs under the State Library, would have lasting reverberations for a statewide system that would have a difficult time ever recovering.

ADDRESS LETTERS TO:

Governor-Elect Jerry Brown

c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173

Sacramento, CA 95814

CLA thanks you for your help.
Please send your letters ASAP. READ MORE !