President Bush’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2002, released April 9, would reduce Library Services and Technology Act funding under the Institute of Museum and Library Services from last year’s high of $207 million to $168 million. Most of the cut comes in the National Leadership Grants program, which is reduced from $50 million to $11 million. The American Library Association had sought an increase in LSTA funding to $350 million.
The budget abolishes funding for the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. The accompanying budget narrative states, “Other agencies can effectively perform the necessary functions for which the Commission has been responsible.” Last year’s NCLIS funding was $1.4 million.
ALA Washington Office Director Emily Sheketoff told American Libraries that the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which contains block grants that may go to school libraries, will be on the floor when the Senate returns from its recess April 23. ALA will urge inclusion of an amendment offered by Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) to provide resources and professional media specialists for elementary and secondary school library media centers.
Posted April 16, 2001.