Governor Releases 2018-19 Proposed State Budget :: Includes $9.5 Million to Enhance Public Library Programs

Governor Releases 2018-19 Proposed State Budget

Includes $9.5 Million to Enhance Public Library Programs

CLA News: 1.10.2018 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

This morning Governor Jerry Brown unveiled his final state Budget proposal, as he completes the last year of his term in office.  As part of the Budget package, CLA is pleased to report that the Governor has decided to include some significant funding -$9.5 million in new money - for public libraries in the proposal.  This funding seeks to benefit libraries that need to connect to high-speed broadband or those that wish to increase existing speed, local literacy programs, and creative ways of sharing and delivering library materials.

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The Governor’s Director of Finance, Michael Cohen then addressed the press corps and noted that the state Budget is proposed as $131.7 billion this year and that revenues are up $4.7 billion from last June.  However, he cautioned that the “unknown is the federal tax implications” which Director Cohen said his Department would be actively working to assess in the coming months.

PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING IN THE PROPOSED 2018-19 BUDGET

The Governor’s 2018-19 Budget proposes the following:

“Augmentation for Literacy Program – An increase of $2.5 million General Fund ongoing to expand the existing California Library Literacy Services program.”

“One-Time Funding for Broadband Grants - $5 million General Fund one-time for broadband equipment grants, with the expectation that $2 million would support connection for public libraries who lack access to the broadband network and $3 million would expand capacity for libraries already connected.”

“One-Time Funding for Online Service System - $1.5 million General Fund one-time for online systems for use by public libraries to support efficient access to resources.”

$500,000 is also provided for a combination of State Library staffing and taxes related to the CENIC project.

With regard to the library-specific funding in the 2018-19 Budget, the negotiations regarding these particular components in the Budget package were the result of a collective effort between CLA, the Department of Finance, the State Library, and the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC) during the Fall months.  READ MORE >>

Letters Needed for SCA 3-DODD :: by April 26 :: CLA

Letters Needed for SCA 3-DODD :: by April 26

CLA News From the Capitol: 4.17.2017 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

Recently we reported that SCA 3 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) had a successful hearing in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee at the State Capitol, with the measure passing on a 5-2 party-line vote.

The legislation seeks to lower the local vote threshold from the current two-thirds to 55% for library construction and renovation bond measures.  This bill is sponsored by CLA.

SCA 3 will be heard in the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee on Tuesday, May 2 at 1:30 p.m.  Letters of support from libraries, Friends and Trustees, cities, counties, special districts, and architectural and construction firms are needed.

In the previous policy committee, there was not a strong showing of letters from library supporters, and most recently, the bill has received strong opposition from taxpayer groups.

So, in order to send a message that SCA 3 is of significant importance to the library community, Senator Dodd and the committee will need a much better show of support in the form of letters.

A sample letter is attached to this memo and letters will need to be received by Senate Committee members by Wednesday, April 26. 

In your letters, please explain

> how much the public library in your community is being used

> some of the more popular services

> specific examples of plans to build or renovate a library in your area

Please take a minute today to send a letter of support to the following individuals:

Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee:

The Honorable Henry Stern, Chair
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 3070
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4927

The Honorable Joel Anderson, Vice Chair

Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 5052
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4938

The Honorable Ben Allen, Member

Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 5072
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4926

The Honorable Bob Hertzberg, Member (SCA 3 co-author)
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 4038
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4918

The Honorable Connie Leyva, Member
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee
State Capitol, Room 4061
Sacramento, CA.  95814
Fax:  (916) 651-4920

Please don’t forget to cc: a copy to Senator Bill Dodd (SCA 3 author)

The Honorable Bill Dodd

California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 5064
Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 651-4903

CLA 2017 Day In The District :: SCA 3-Dodd :: State Budget

CLA 2017 Day in the District

CLA: March 2017

What is “Day in the District?”

“Day in the District” is an effective way to build relationships with your legislator(s) by concentrating your time with the legislator in his or her district office, rather than at the busy State Capitol. Developing relationships with new legislators and bolstering your relationship with continuing legislators is incredibly important for the success of CLA’s advocacy platform.

Library directors, staff, Friends groups and trustees, literacy advocates, and other supporters are encouraged to schedule appointments with their legislators during the month of March.

Advocacy Issue: SCA 3-Dodd (library construction bonds – 55% vote approval)

Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) has introduced SCA 3, which seeks to lower the local voter threshold for library construction bonds from the current two-thirds vote to a 55% vote. CLA is the official sponsor of SCA 3 and we will be actively working to secure passage of the legislation in the legislature.

Advocacy Issue: State Budget

The Governor’s 2017-18 State Budget does not include any new increases for library funding. Due to the Governor’s concerns over a future economic downturn, as well as the uncertainty surrounding federal Budget issues, the Governor released a prudent Budget in January, which “holds the line” on current library funding.

Due to term limits, many of the “library champions” for CLA have recently departed the legislature. CLA is looking for the next generation of “library champions” in the California State Senate and Assembly. Could your legislator be our next library leader?  

    

Materials

·  Tips for Lobbying Your Legislator

·  Key Committee Members

·  Sample Letter

·  Day in the District Ideas

·  SCA 3 Fact Sheet

·  CLA Legislative Visit Worksheet

·  California Public Libraries and CENIC

Helpful Links

·  Find your Assembly Member or State Senator

·  Locate and track bills in the California State Legislature

Governor Brown Releases 2017-18 State Budget Library Funding Holds The Line In Governor’s “Prudent” Plan

Governor Brown Releases 2017-18 State Budget

Library Funding Holds The Line In Governor’s “Prudent” Plan

CLA News From the Capitol: 1.10.2017 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

At 11 a.m. today, Governor Jerry Brown unveiled his 2017-18 State Budget before the press corps at the Capitol.  The Governor called for cautious spending in the coming Budget year due to a projected $2 billion shortfall, as well as the anticipation of federal policy changes under the new Presidential Administration, which might significantly affect the state’s General Fund.  Specifically, related to library funding in the Budget, the Governor does not propose new spending; instead he holds the line on all of the current baseline spending in the various library programs (e.g. California Library Services Act, the state literacy program, and funding for the library broadband project in conjunction with the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California - CENIC).  The Governor did highlight, however, the work of public libraries in a special section entitled, “Investing in California’s Workforce.”

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The Governor dedicates a notable amount of space in his Budget document to the issue of “Investing In California’s Workforce” and he discusses the specific contributions of K-12 schools, community colleges, state universities, and local libraries in this space.  Of note, the Governor has asked the State Librarian to convene discussions in the Spring regarding the opportunities for libraries within workforce development.  Specifically, with regard to public libraries the Governor states:

Role of Local Libraries

“Many other entities play roles as part of pathways in the workforce, and the state’s strategy should consider better integration.  Public libraries already provide a space where students and adults can earn high school diplomas or career certificates online, learn literacy skills with volunteer tutors, or build upon their ideas in dedicated “makerspaces” or innovation labs.  The state now funds high-speed Internet access for many libraries.  Libraries can be hubs for people to access online courses, particularly as libraries are in a unique position to provide the additional support and guidance that some studies suggest is essential for online education.  The State Librarian will engage stakeholders in the spring to create plans to better integrate the libraries into the state’s workforce strategy.”

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The CLA Legislative Committee will be discussing the Governor’s Budget at their upcoming meeting on Friday, January 13.  READ MORE @

Governor Signs 2016-17 Budget and “Trailer Bill” :: Contains $4.8 Million in New Funding for CSLA

Governor Signs 2016-17 Budget and “Trailer Bill”:

Contains $4.8 Million in New Funding for CSLA

News From the Capitol: 6.30.2016 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

Monday afternoon Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the 2016-17 State Budget and corresponding Budget “trailer bills,” both of which contain new funding for the California Library Services Act.  The Governor issued a press release after signing the Budget bill, SB 826-Leno stating, “This solid budget makes responsible investments in California and sets aside billions of dollars to prepare for the next recession.”  Due to very collaborative negotiations between the legislature and the Governor, when the Governor signed the Budget bill he did not “blue pencil” or make targeted reductions to any of the programs in SB 826.

SB 826:  the 2016-17 Budget Bill

This measure contains $1.8 million in new, ongoing funding for the California Library Services Act.  This amount is added to the current baseline funding in the Act, which stands at $1.8 million -- for a new total of $3.6 million.  This funding continues to restore some of the cuts made to this program during the recent Recession.

SB 1602-Committee on Budget:  “Trailer bill” pertaining to Higher Education

This measure is approximately 90 pages in length and contains numerous provisions related to higher education and other matters, such as the State Library.  Specifically, SB 1602 includes the Governor’s proposal to provide $3 million in “one time funding” (meaning that it must be spent during the 2016-17 Budget year) to encourage the Systems within the California Library Services Act to participate in, or develop innovative programs for, digital delivery and resource sharing.  Throughout the Budget process, CLA strongly supported the Governor’s proposal relative to the $3 million, as well as the $1.8 million mentioned above.  We were pleased when both the Assembly and the Senate Budget Subcommittees adopted the proposals by unanimous votes.  READ MORE @

Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees Approve Library Funding for CLSA

Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees Approve Library Funding for CLSA 

NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL: 5.24.2016 by Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

This morning at the State Capitol, the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance approved, without discussion, $1.8 million in “ongoing funding” for the California Library Services Act and $3 million in “one time funding” for CLSA to encourage innovative “digital delivery” projects among the 8 regional Systems.  The vote of the Assembly Subcommittee was unanimous (5-0).  Last week, the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance also approved the same funding motions for the CLSA on a unanimous vote of 3-0.

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The Subcommittees did not approve new funding for broadband grants this year.

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The Conference Committee will likely commence hearings after the Memorial Day weekend in order to meet the Constitutional deadline of June 15 to have the Budget passed and sent to the Governor.  At this point in time, because the Senate and the Assembly adopted the exact same action on the CLSA items, we anticipate that this funding will remain in the Budget.  READ MORE @

GOVERNOR BROWN RELEASES UPDATED 2016-17 BUDGET: Recommends No New Spending

GOVERNOR BROWN RELEASES UPDATED 2016-17 BUDGET

He recommends no new spending with tax revenues down $1.9 billion

News From the Capitol: 5.13.2016 by Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

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The May Revision includes two minor adjustments that were requested by the State Library:  an increase in $56,000 to account for a rent increase for its Sacramento facility, and $505,000 for “services, including publications, database subscriptions, and other resources.”

Highlighted below is additional funding that the Governor proposed for the California Library Services Act in his January Budget and is continued in the May Revise:

•Adding $1.8 million in ongoing funding to the current $1.8 million baseline

•Adding $3 million in one-time funding for the purpose of allowing the regional systems to explore more creative and effective ways to loan and share materials between libraries (e.g. “digital delivery.”)

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STATE’S LEGISLATIVE ANALYST RECOMMENDS LEGISLATURE REJECT CLSA PROPOSAL This week the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office, the non-partisan unit that advises the Legislature and provides annual analysis of the Governor’s proposed Budget, is recommending that the legislature reject the $3 million proposal relative to the CLSA due to lack of specifics about the proposed expenditure.

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Instead the Analyst suggests that the item be deferred in this Budget year, to make way for a year of planning by the State Library, which would include a “proposed timeline for development and implementation and expected outcomes.”  (However, this assumes that the Governor would include $3 million in next year’s Budget, which is clearly now an uncertainty given the declining state revenues.)

Next week the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees on Education Finance will begin reviewing the Governor’s May Revision and will either accept, reject, or modify his January and May proposals.  These subcommittees are the critical first step in ensuring that new library funding is included in the Budget.  Without the support of the subcommittees, it is very difficult to include new funding for libraries down the road in the Budget negotiations.  The subcommittees are on schedule to conclude their work by Friday, May 27.  After that date, the full Senate and Assembly Budget Committees will meet, followed by the commencement of the powerful Budget Conference Committee process, where the final details will be reconciled between the conferees and the Governor.  READ MORE @

ACTION ALERT :: Letters Needed in Support of Library Funding in California State Budget :: CLA

ACTION ALERT

Letters Needed in Support of

Library Funding in California State Budget

NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL: 4.08.2016 by Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

The Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittees have been meeting weekly at the State Capitol in order to review and to make recommendations regarding various program funding areas proposed in Governor Brown’s 2016-17 State Budget.

Send letters to 10 key legislators involved in the Budget process, in order to ensure that the California Library Association’s “Budget ask” is realized.

Letters are due by April 29.

ACTION REQUESTED

•Approve the Governor’s January Budget proposal to provide an additional $1.8 million in funding to the California Library Services Act.  Budget Item 6120-211-0001.

•Approve the Governor’s January Budget proposal to provide $3 million in one-time funding to the California Library Services Act for the purpose of collaborative “digital delivery” uses.  Budget Item 6120-215-0001.

•Approve a request by the California Library Association to provide $4 million in one-time funding for broadband connectivity grants in order to continue to bring public libraries on to a high-speed broadband “backbone” operated by the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC).

•Approve a $1-2 million increase to the California Literacy Services program in order to restore public library literacy programs, provide enhanced resources for existing programs, and continue to address the backlog of adult literacy learners in need of assistance at the library.

Additional information on these items can be found on the CLA webpage in the Advocacy “Day In the District” section.

Please address letters to the following individuals and send them via mail or fax no later than April 29:

The Honorable Marty Block, Chair

Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 4072  Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 651-4939

The Honorable Ben Allen, Member

Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 2054  Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 651-4926

The Honorable John Moorlach, Member

Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 2048  Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 651-4937

The Honorable Kevin McCarty, Chair

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 2160  Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2107

The Honorable Rocky Chavez, Member

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 217  Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2176

The Honorable Chris Holden, Member

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 3152  Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2141

The Honorable Young Kim, Member

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 4177  Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2165

The Honorable Patrick O’Donnell, Member

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 4166  Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2170

Governor Brown Releases 2016-17 Budget: New Money for California Library Services Act

Governor Brown Releases 2016-17 Budget:

New Money for California Library Services Act

News From the Capitol: 1.07.2016 by Mike Dillon, Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

This morning in a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Jerry Brown released the 2016-17 State Budget, which includes a proposal to provide $4.8 million in new funding for the purpose of enhancing the California Library Services Act.  This funding would be in addition to the $1.8 million that is currently appropriated for the CLSA.

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In light of his cautious approach to this year’s Budget, we are pleased to see that Governor Brown has identified $4.8 million in new funding for public libraries under the CLSA, as a sign of his support for their valuable services.  Specifically the Budget notes:

California Library Services Act – An increase of $1.8 million General Fund ongoing and $3 million General Fund on a one-time basis for the California Library Services Act program.  These funds will be used to strengthen statewide and regional services for public libraries.”

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Lastly, there was no additional money provided for the state literacy program, but the current dollar amount of $4.8 million will continue under the Governor’s Budget.  There was also no new money provided for broadband connections for public libraries, but the funding that allows public libraries to participate as a member of CENIC will continue ($2.25 million). Last year, the legislature and the Governor provided $4 million for broadband connectivity grants.  READ MORE @

California Library Literacy Services Receives Additional Funding for Adult Literacy Programs

California Library Literacy Services
Receives Additional Funding 
for Adult Literacy Programs  

California State Library - Press Release: 7.23.2015

Thanks to an ongoing investment of $2 million by Governor Brown and the Legislature, the State Library is encouraging more libraries to join its successful adult literacy program that provides one-on-one tutoring to Californians who want to improve their reading skills.

Helping persons read better changes lives:

Felicia, 24, struggled her whole life with a learning disability.  Homeless for two years, she sought help from a local public library. She now has a job at a small medical practice and recently passed the driver's license test. “It's made my life so much better - it gave me the push to believe in myself. I can read street signs and restaurant menus. I feel more confident in my job.”

Felicia is just one of the more than 250,000 people the California Library Literacy Services program has helped learn to read and write over the past 30 years. But federal statistics suggest there are still an estimated 4 million Californians with low literacy skills.

“The Governor and the Legislature recognize that improving literacy yields enormous social and economic dividends at very low-cost in taxpayer dollars,” said State Librarian Greg Lucas.

Public libraries can apply now to join the program, which already includes 90 library jurisdictions offering tutoring at 800 locations around the state.

During the recent recession when state funds eventually hit zero, many local libraries still continued their programs. With increased state funding, those programs can be stabilized, more tutoring locations added and the 3,000 person waiting list of Californians eager to read reduced.

Grant applications are due Friday, August 14, 2015.

The additional $2 million in annual funding brings the yearly appropriation for adult literacy services up to $4.82 million.

About California Library Literacy Services:  California Library Literacy Services helps low-literacy adults and their families. Over 20,000 adult learners each year are provided one-on-one or small group instruction by thousands of trained volunteer tutors in public libraries statewide.  Instruction is based on each individual learner's pace and goals. The program targets English speaking adults who struggle with basic reading and writing skills. As a result, these adults are voting for the first time, reading newspapers, reading aloud to their children and securing jobs.

About the State Library: Founded in 1850, the California State Library is the central reference and research library for the Governor’s office, legislature, state employees, and the general public. The State Library administers federal and state grants for programs in historical preservation, library construction, civil liberties education, literacy, volunteering, and broadband connectivity in public libraries.

Send a Thank You Note To

Governor Brown : : Your Assembly Member : : Your State Senator !

Governor Jerry Brown

c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 445-2841

Fax: (916) 558-3160

Find Your Assembly Member or State Senator