California Library Association — 2022 Legislative Priorities

CLA 2022 Legislative Priorities

CLA News: 3.23.2022

The California Library Association — through its members and advocates — works to make a difference for all Californians by providing adequately funded libraries, which transform lives through their programs and services.

At the state level, CLA actively advocates for the following:

New and Ongoing Funding Requests

➤ $1.4 million to reach $5,000,000 in ongoing funding for the California Library Services Act (CLSA) that fosters resource sharing among libraries, particularly in rural areas where funding challenges persist.

➤ $450,000 to reach $1,250,000 in ongoing funding for Lunch at the Library to provide literacy-rich programs to blunt the impact of the summer slide for children who receive 300,000+ free and nutritious lunches at hundreds of libraries across the state.

➤ $785,000 for JobNow, VetNow, and LearnNow, to support economic recovery and education for vulnerable populations.

➤ Maintain ongoing funding to support the diverse informational needs of people in rural and underserved populations who cannot get to a physical library through Zip Books.

➤ $4 million dollars in funding to support Ebooks for All aimed at increasing access to digital content for early learners and school-aged children throughout California.

Equitable Access to Critical Library and Information Services

◉  Broadband equity for unserved and underserved communities.

◉ Support the freedom to read and access to material with diverse points of view.

◉ Accessible buildings, including upgrades to critical infrastructure and support in times of disaster such as wildfires and extreme heat.

◉ Early literacy, school readiness, adult literacy, career development, vocational support, and assistance to vulnerable populations.

◉ Mandate credentialed Teacher Librarians in all California Public Schools.

◉ Support for libraries to purchase eBooks and e-audiobooks at the same price as consumers.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 14

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 21-22 yrs. old

(college level)

 

Altadena Library Official Honored by California Library Association ▬ Pasadena Now

Altadena Library Official Honored by California Library Association

@AltadenaLibrary

Pasadena Now: 5.13.2021 by Brian Day

An Altadena Library District trustee has been awarded the California Library Association’s President’s Award for her contributions to libraries and literacy, the library announced Thursday.

Katie Clark, who serves as president of the Board of Trustees, has been named the recipient of the honor, the Altadena Library District said in a written statement.

“[She] is a central leader in the community of Altadena whose vision and tireless commitment to libraries have created a legacy of long-term, positive impact that will provide critical library services for Altadena for decades to come,” the statement said.

The CLA President’s Award recognizes “outstanding contributions, leadership, and achievement in support of California libraries by a Trustee, Friend, Elected Official, or other layperson who has given his or her time and talents to further the advancements of California libraries,” the statement added.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 17

Reading Level: very difficult to read.

Reader's Age: College graduate

Governor Newsome Releases “May Revision” OF 2021-22 State Budget ▬ News from the Capitol

Governor Newsome Releases 

“May Revision” OF 2021-22 State Budget

Save CA Public Library

News from the Capitol: 5.14.2021 by Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA

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.

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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 ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 15

Reading Level: very difficult to read.

Reader's Age: College graduate

California Library Association ▬ Budget Ask Letter 2020-21

California Library Association ▬ Budget Ask Letter 2020-21

CLA: 11.07.2020

October 27, 2020

Dear Governor Newsom,

On behalf of the California Library Association (CLA), the statewide association
representing city, county and special district libraries, I would like to thank you for your past support of public library programs in the State Budget, and for your talented leadership as the State navigates the challenges brought about by the coronavirus. As you are well aware, the 2020 pandemic has exposed tremendous areas of community needs for students, homebound seniors, and our library patrons who now find themselves out of work. One of the true bright spots of the crippling pandemic has been the work of California's public libraries in providing critical community services.

However, California's public libraries are offering these programs on a razor thin margin, which is simply not sustainable. To that end, CLA respectfully requests your consideration of budget relief funding for the following programs under Section 6120 of the California State Library, as you craft your 2021-22 State Budget. (These requests are listed in priority order.)

1. Restoration of the cut to the California Library Services Act - $1.75 million "ongoing"

The California Library Services Act has been in existence since the early 1970's, with the sole purpose of requiring that libraries participate in a cooperative and collaborative manner of sharing resources among the nine geographic regions of the state. The CLSA funding is truly the glue that holds the cooperative loaning and lending structure in place for these libraries. At its origination, this program was intended to provide reimbursement for books and materials traveling by van in between libraries, for patrons requesting specific items that their own neighborhood library may not possess. While libraries still continue to move physical items between jurisdictions and branches, now CLSA dollars are often used for large digital subscription services, such as eBooks and eMagazines to promote a broader collection of digital resources for libraries which aids
students with homework, vulnerable populations who can't get to the library, and
people learning new skills for workforce development.

Since March, libraries have seen their eBook use nearly double. Libraries are partnering with schools to provide age appropriate eBooks for homework help in the absence of school library electronic collections. Within San Mateo County, 14 school districts have partnered with the public libraries for eCollections for their students, and public libraries are issuing thousands of library cards to students through these partnerships.

2. Lunch at the Library- Ongoing or one-time funding - $1.25 million

For many years, CLA has worked with the State Library on the successful "Lunch at the Library" program where children who are in need of a meal during the summer months, can receive their lunch at the library. Almost 220 public libraries provided nearly 300,000 meals to more than 32,000 children in 2019. Lunch at the Library has a dual purpose of promoting literacy and addressing the "summer slide," where library staff offer programs and books to children while food is served in a non-judgmental setting for children and, in some cases, their parents. However, the impact of COVID-19 and the need for quality meals for the student population this year was staggering.

3. Zip Books - One-time funding: $750,000

CLA was grateful to you for including $1 million in your January 2020-21 State Budget for "Zip Books," a program which features an innovative way of providing books and materials to patrons who, for various reasons, are unable to physically get to a local library to obtain their desired item. The program is based in 327 public libraries and was able to serve 45,000 people, focusing on those who are in rural communities and underserved residents.

4. Career Online High School - One-time funding - $750,000

Over the course of the last few years, public libraries and the State Library have assisted 793 adults in their efforts to complete a high school diploma using an online program called, "Career Online High School." Twenty-eight counties in the state currently utilize this life-changing program, which enables adults to obtain their diploma and move on to post-secondary degrees (which cannot be done with a GED) or various career paths. A high school diploma has significantly better outcomes than a GED, and with  this online program students who may not be able to get to a regular classroom, or who work irregular schedules, can benefit.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 14

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 21-22 yrs. old

(college level)

Camarena Library ▬ Reflections on COVID-19

Reflections on COVID-19

California
COVID Diaries

Adult Literacy on the Border: 8.04.2020 Clara Auyon

Today's post comes from Clara Auyon who has been in the ALS program for a couple of years now. With the guidance of literacy staff, she decided to participate in the California COVID Diaries project from the California State Library and California Library Literacy Services, and these are her reflections on the impact that COVID-19 has had on her life.

How has your life changed?

My life changed because I had to reorganize my day to day trying to fulfill my personal and professional activities without leaving home. Being in contact with my family, friends, neighbors, virtually, no longer hugging, kissing, meeting or sharing important dates with them in person. We had to implement all the hygiene protocols inside and outside the house, with food and not food as indicated by health authorities. Being at home all day we had to create new activities to fill our free time.

How have you changed?

It made me even more sensitive to the reality experienced by the most vulnerable people, valuing and enjoying what I have, my husband, my kids, my friends, my work, recognizing and investing every minute in what is really worthy, thanking God for being alive, for giving me faith and hope in these difficult times, for having a roof, food. Continuing working to be a better person, more committed to help others.

Important highlights: any silver linings?

We spend more time with my children, family thru WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. I am very happy to share more time with my husband. Before I only saw him Monday to Friday from 10 pm to 8 am. We have time to sharing activities that we like, cooking, watching movies, talking about politics, technology, etc.  READ MORE ➤➤

Camarena Library Adult Literacy Services

These services are offered to adults, 16 years or older who are not enrolled in school, who would like to improve their English reading skills. One-on-one tutoring is available upon enrollment in the program. Volunteers from the community help other improve their English reading and writing skills in this program.

Call the library at (760) 768-2170 to set up an appointment

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 9

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 13-15 yrs. old

(Eighth and Ninth graders) 

CLA 2019 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award ▬ Monica Chapa-Domercq ▬ Oceanside Library

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

2019 Award Recipient

Monica Chapa Domercq, Oceanside Public Library

CLA: 2020

Monica Chapa-Domercq is Principal Librarian of the Oceanside Public Library and manages reference services, public programming and collection development for adults. She recently began overseeing the READS Literacy program. She implements community conversations to inclusively inform development of locally relevant programs and services. As an active participant in the cultural life of Oceanside, Monica strengthens bonds by creating partnerships and collaborating with local leaders while serving on committees for cultural celebrations and festivals.

=This year, her team was the recipient of the Book to Action grant from the California Center for the Book, and she served on the ‘One Book, One San Diego’ Selection Committee. She has directed five National Endowment for the Arts ‘Big Read’ grants for the Library, and will be working on the Library’s sixth such community-wide read in February/March 2020.

Past Award Recipients

Stacey Costello, Colusa County Free Library (2018)
John Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library (2018)
Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library (2017)
Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library (2016)
Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries (2015)
Natasha Casteel, Roseville Public Library (2014)
Patricia Noa, OC Public Libraries (2013)
Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library (2012)
Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library (2011)
Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library (2010)
Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library (2009)
Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library (2008)
Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library (2007)
John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library (2006)
Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library (2005)
Leslie McGinnis, Oakland Public Library (2004)
Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library (2003)

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy.  The award is sponsored by Grass Roots Press.

One award will be given out in 2020. The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipient will receive one year free individual CLA membership and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.  Additionally, Grass Roots Press will give the recipient's library $350 of materials of the recipient's choice to support adult literacy.

Submit your nomination for the Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

Application period will close on February 1, 2021

READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 15

Reading Level: very difficult to read.

Reader's Age: College graduate

 

National Literacy Month ▬ What’s on the Ballot ▬ CLA

What’s on the Ballot

September 14, 2020 @ 1:00 PM

National Literacy Month

CLA Calendar: 9.14.2020

Register

What’s on the Ballot Workshop

This workshop will help you turn your ballot into a menu.

Using the Easy Voter Guide, you will get an overview of the types of elected positions and propositions in the November 3 election.

You can pick what you want to focus on and get suggestions for reliable resources to learn more.

You are in charge of what you choose to vote on! This workshop is part of the Key to Community project.

Writer to Writer Celebration Event ▬ International Literacy Day ▬ September 8 @ 1 PM

Writer to Writer Celebration Event

International Literacy Day

September 8 - 1 PM

National Literacy Month

Writer to Writer Celebration Event

CLA Calendar: 9.8.2020

Join adult literacy learners and State Librarian Greg Lucas in honoring the winners of the annual Writer to Writer Challenge! Writer to Writer is an annual writing contest held in literacy programs in Southern California Library Literacy Network libraries and Monterey County Free Library.

Learners read a book, then write a letter to the author about the impact the book had on their life. 

Hear the learners read their letters and get inspired to create your own Writer to Writer letter.

State Budget Deal Includes $1.75M Cut To CA Library Services Act

State Budget Deal Includes

A Cut To CA Library Services Act

CLA News: 6.24.2020 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

Save California Public Library and Literacy Funding

On June 15th, the 2020-21 State Budget bill, SB 74, was approved by both the Assembly and Senate and was subsequently sent to Governor Newsom for his action. SB 74 seeks to close a projected $54 billion Budget deficit while still retaining protections for “safety net” programs and K-12 education.

However, due to the abbreviated legislative session, brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the Senate and Assembly were not able to secure an official “deal” with the Governor relative to the State Budget before they sent the main Budget bill down to him. Negotiations between the two Democrat Leaders and the Governor over the weekend were successful and a new, supplemental agreement was reached over the last few days.

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Unfortunately, despite our best attempts, the legislature and the Governor are making a cut to the California Library Services Act in the amount of $1.75 million, which will leave $1.88 million in the baseline for the program. This cut is not tied to the “trigger” as best as we can tell. We have attempted to get clarification of this action but it appears the $1.75 million would not be restored under the trigger package in Budget trailer bills, AB 89 and SB 121. (The CLSA reduction appears in the main Budget bill, SB 74.)

The Senate Budget Committee convened late this afternoon to begin processing 20 so-called “Budget trailer bills” that implement the terms of the new deal with the Governor. The Committee will be working late into the evening tonight and then the full Senate and Assembly will vote on the bills by this Friday.

The legislature will not know what the state’s true fiscal condition will be until California receives the July 15 tax receipts, and there will likely be Budget clean-up items that need to be considered by the legislature in August. In the meantime, the California Library Association Legislative Committee, Chaired by Carol Frost and Scott Love, will be meeting to discuss the development of a grassroots campaign which would seek to restore the CLSA cut if state revenues improve.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 13

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 18-19 yrs. old

(college level entry)

Action Requested Time Sensitive ◯ Send A Quick Tweet ◯ Save CA Library Funding In The State Budget

Action Requested: Time Sensitive

Send A Quick Tweet To Save

CA Library Funding In The State Budget

CLA: 6.10.2020

Save California Public Library and Literacy Funding

The California State Legislature and the Governor are putting the final touches on the 2020-21 State Budget, which is required to be passed by the Legislature by June 15th. CLA has learned that the Legislature is proposing a $1.5 million cut to the California Library Services Act, the collaborative loaning and lending program utilized by the regional Systems. As you know, library borrowing grew substantially during the COVID-19 “shelter in place” orders and these loaned materials have been a lifeline for many parents who are home-schooling their children, as well seniors, immunocompromised persons, the homebound community, college students, and others.

A $1.5 million cut to the program would have significant negative effects on the CLSA at a time that libraries can ill afford a reduction in these services.

Popular programs like Lunch at the Library and Zip Books are also being proposed for cuts this year, which will also mean painful reductions for these critical community services.

Please take a minute today and send one of the three following tweets below to the Senate Budget Chair, Holly Mitchell, who has been a champion of library funding in past years, and Assemblyman Phil Ting, Assembly Budget Chair. The State is facing a $54 billion Budget deficit, so the legislature is looking for dollars wherever they can find them in order to balance the Budget. Help us save the CLSA by sending your tweet by Friday morning (June 12).

Thank you for your help.

Sample tweets follow:

Libraries are critical lifelines for the community during the pandemic. Popular programs like Lunch at the Library and the CA Library Services Act are on the chopping block in the State Budget. Will you please help us save the funding @SenHJMitchell and @PhilTing

The CA Library Assoc encourages @SenHJMitchell and @PhilTing to restore the $1.5 million cut to the CA Library Services Act before passing the 2020-21 State Budget. CLSA is a popular loaning and lending program. Public library patrons who are requesting materials for at-home use is at an all time high.

Parents who are home-schooling kids, seniors, and the disabled community all understand the value of public libraries and free library resources during COVID-19.. These services are in jeopardy, however, if the CA Library Services Act cut is not restored in the Budget. Looking to @SenHJMitchell, a library champion, to help.

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on (7) readability formulas:

Grade Level: 12

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 17-18 yrs. old

(Twelfth graders)

Governor Newsom Releases “MAY REVISION” Of Budget ◯ CLA

Governor Newsom Releases “MAY REVISION” Of Budget

Library programs intended for funding are

“withdrawn” due to $54.3 billion Budget deficit

CLA: 5.14.2020 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

During a press event held at the noon hour today, Governor Gavin Newsom released his “May Revision” of the 2020-21 State Budget, which updates the Budget that he proposed in January. In the “May Revision” document, the Governor writes: “In January, California was the rocket fuel powering the American economic resurgence – with 118 consecutive months of growth, stratospheric job creation, and the highest credit rating in nearly two decades…Now, our state is in an unprecedented emergency, facing massive job losses and shortfalls in record time. This Budget reflects that emergency.” He goes on to state, “This is no normal year. And this is no ordinary May Revision.”

In a very sobering presentation, the Governor announced a $54.3 billion Budget deficit brought on by the unprecedented COVID-19 worldwide crisis.

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Governor Newsom is proposing a series of cuts and solutions, including cutting K-12 education across-the-board by 10 percent, a proposed 10 percent reduction to state employee salaries, and over 15 percent of the May Revise solutions represent cuts that are associated with a “trigger” if federal funds don’t materialize.

Of importance to CLA members, the Governor has “withdrawn” (is proposing to not fund) the

$1 million in “one-time” funds for “Lunch at the Library”

$1 million in “one-time” funds for Zip Books

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However, the Governor states in the “California State Library” [p. 57] section of the May Revise: “The state is not in a fiscal position to expand programs given the drastic budget impacts of the COVID-19 Recession.”

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Included in these proposed trigger cuts is a reduction of $1.75 million to the California Library Services Act.

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The Senate and Assembly Budget Committees will now hold a series of hearings related to the Governor’s May Revision and will view his various proposals, including those related to the State Library/public libraries. California’s Constitution requires the state to pass a balanced Budget by June 15, 2020.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on (7) readability formulas:

Grade Level: 12

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 17-18 yrs. old

(Twelfth graders)

Governor Newsom Releases 2020-21 State Budget ◯ CLA

State Budget

Governor Newsom Releases His 2020-21 State Budget

News From the Capitol: 1.10.2020 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

This morning Governor Gavin Newsom presented his 2020-21 State Budget and left no stone unturned with the press corps, as the Governor laid out details and took reporters’ questions for an unprecedented three hours.  The Governor stated that he was “excited about this year and for California’s future” as he highlighted components of his new Budget.

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Of importance to CLA, the Budget contains good news for public libraries.  The Governor continues to support two programs that he provided support for in the 2019-20 Budget – “Lunch at the Library” and Zip Books.

For “Lunch at the Library: $1 million in “one-time” General Fund dollars (meaning that it must be spent in Budget Year 2020-21 and is not “ongoing” in nature) would be provided for libraries to “develop summer meal programs for students in low-income communities.”

For Online Service Systems:  the Governor is proposing $1 million in one-time General Fund dollars in order to “support the online purchase and delivery of books through the Zip Books program.  This no-cost service is an alternative to traditional interlibrary loan and enables library patrons to more efficiently request and receive books not available at their local library.”

The Governor is also proposing $500,000 in ongoing General Fund dollars for the purpose of supporting the services provided by the Braille Institute of America in Los Angeles.   Finally, the Governor also includes $170,000 in ongoing funds for a technical issue relating to Public Utility Commission fees pertaining to the State’s public library broadband connectivity program in conjunction with the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC).

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The legislature will now begin the process of reviewing the Governor’s Budget over the course of the next few months.  Budget Subcommittee hearings will be held to discuss and analyze the various proposals.  In May, the Governor will release his May Revision of the State Budget, which essentially allows him to make funding/program adjustments after having received the April tax receipts.  The Budget Subcommittees will wrap up their work in late May and the full Budget Committees and Budget Conference Committee will craft the final Budget, in consultation with the Governor’s Office.  The Budget must be passed by the constitutional deadline of June 15.  We will continue to keep CLA members updated as these issues proceed through the Budget process in 2020.  READ MORE >>

Summary of the Governor’s Proposed 2020-21 Budget

Senator Holly J. Mitchell Chair

California State Library (p 24)

Local Assistance. The budget provides the following local assistance adjustments:

• An increase of $1 million one-time General Fund to support the Lunch at the

Library program;

• An increase of $1 million one-time General Fund to support the online purchase

and delivery of books through the Zip book program;

• An increase of $500,000 ongoing General Fund to support the Braille Institute of

America in Los Angeles; and,

• An increase of $170,000 ongoing General Fund to continue participation in the

Adult Learners, Budget, CA Budget, California, CLLS, Economics, Funding, Government

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee

Senator Holly J. Mitchell Chair

Senator Jim Nielsen Vice Chair

Assembly Committee on Budget

Assembly Member Phil Ting Chair

Assembly Member Jay Obernolte Vice Chair

Sub 2 Education Finance Committee Members

Kevin McCarty Chair

Rewordify

Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 13.9

Lexical Density: 55.0%

Total word count 398

Unique word count 219

27 hard words

Sentence count 15

Average sentence length 26.5