Librarians Rally at Ohio Statehouse
to Oppose Massive Budget Cut
An April 2 rally outside the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, by some 350 library staff and supporters who chanted “Ohio loves libraries” beneath the office windows of state legislators apparently had the desired effect. House leaders had announced earlier in the week a plan to trim $450 million or more from the Library and Local Government Support Fund, or even eliminate it entirely, as part of a solution to the state's projected $4-billion deficit over the next two years.
But the House recommendation, announced April 4, left the library part of the LLGSF at 5.7% of the state income tax, relieving fears that an estimated two-thirds of the state's 250 public libraries would shut down if the LLGSF were eliminated. The Ohio Library Council, which organized the rally, credits its members for influencing lawmakers and involving the public in securing adequate library funding.
OLC Executive Director Douglas S. Evans told American Libraries, “We're encouraging Ohio librarians to thank their representatives for their support and to focus their energies on influencing the Ohio Senate to adopt a similar bill.”
The legislature is considering alternatives to Gov. Bob Taft's proposed $3.1-billion tax hike, which would raise state business, cigarette, and alcohol taxes. Taft is opposed to trimming the LLGSF, since revenue shortfalls have already resulted in a decision to eliminate state funding to libraries for one month, in July.
Evans said the House expects to vote on its budget April 9, with the Senate holding hearings after the Easter break.
Posted April 7, 2003.
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