California’s first statewide library bond in more than a decade appears to be headed for next March’s ballot. The $350-million measure to build and modernize libraries was approved by the state Senate September 9 after its passage by the Assembly earlier in the week.
The Sacramento Bee reported September 9 that the library bond would be the first since a $75-million measure was passed in 1988. “This would be a step in the right direction, but it won’t solve the problem,” said Sen. Richard Rainey (R-Walnut Creek), the bill’s author.
If approved, the bond act would create a pool of funds to finance projects to be chosen by a six-member state board comprised of the state’s librarian, treasurer, director of finance, members of the Assembly and Senate, and an appointee of the governor. Projects would require a 35% local funding match.
Rainey told the Bee that the bill has the support of Gov. Gray Davis, who successfully sought a change to ensure that joint school-community library projects would get priority in competition for funding.
Posted September 13, 1999.