Lawmakers approved Michigan Gov. John Engler’s budget-balancing plan November 6 requiring a 10% cut in funding to most state agencies, including libraries. The reduction amounts to about $1 million in general library support, and also calls for a cut of $3.1 million in special grants to the Detroit and Grand Rapids public libraries.
DPL Director Maurice Wheeler told American Libraries that his office is still “reeling from the impact of the budget” and is still assessing the impact on the library’s operations. He said the special funding has been provided on a regular basis due to the higher level of service that Detroit offers to the entire state.
The administrative staff of the Library of Michigan in Lansing were attending the Michigan Library Association conference when the budget cuts were announced, and were unavailable for comment. The November 7 Detroit News reported that the budget cuts were necessitated by the heavy impact of a sluggish economy—made worse by the September 11 attacks—on state tax revenue. Aid to public schools and universities was left untouched.
Posted November 12, 2001.