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Governor proposes $50 million for library construction and funding for library broadband projects
This morning
Governor
Gavin Newsom held a press event in order to present his “May Revision” of
the 2021-22 State Budget. The “May
Revision” process allows Governor Newsom the ability to update his January
Budget to reflect the April (or in this case, May) tax receipts and federal
funding allotments. In the May Revision document the Governor released this
morning, it states, “The May Revision stands in stark contrast to the budget of
one year ago. Compared to a projected budget deficit of $54 billion a year ago,
the state now has a projected $75.7 billion surplus. Combined with over $25
billion in federal relief, this supports a $100 billion California Comeback
Plan – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only speed the state’s recovery
from the pandemic, but to address long-standing challenges and provide opportunity
for every California family – regardless of their income, race, or ZIP code.”
Included in the proposals for public libraries under the State Library Budget are the following items:
INFRASTRUCTURE
Library Infrastructure – An increase of $50 million in one-time General Fund for an
equity-focused matching grant program to support local library infrastructure.”
Broadband Access – An increase of $35 million one-time General Fund available
through 2024-25, to expand broadband access to isolated and under-served
communities through a collaborative partnership of local education agencies,
regional libraries, and telehealth providers and leverage available federal
funds through the E-Rate Program.
Broadband
Capacity and Equipment Grants – An increase of $6 million one-time General
Fund to support the Broadband Connectivity Initiative.
EDUCATION
English as a Second Language – An
increase of $15 million one-time General Fund to support English as a Second
Language programs offered through local libraries.”
Online
Tutoring – An increase of $6.4 million one-time General Fund to support a
two-year pilot online tutoring service program.”
OTHER INVESTMENTS
Assistive
Technology – An Increase of $1.6 million one-time General Fund and $220,000
ongoing General Fund to support Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired
Californians.
Today’s announcement from Governor Newsom comes on the heels of the recent announcement by the Senate Democrat Caucus that they are seeking $1 Billion for public library infrastructure (new builds, renovation/remodels, etc.), plus a public library broadband connectivity component in this year’s State Budget, as well as a funding proposal to help public libraries eliminate patron library fines. READ MORE ➤➤
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