Massachusetts Librarians
Work to Restore Budget Cuts
More than 100 Massachusetts librarians and library supporters came together at the State House in Boston February 12 to promote funding for libraries at the Massachusetts Library Association’s eighth annual Ways and Means Day. The event focused on reinstating funds that have been eliminated over the past few years, including a 25% cut to all Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ programs since 2001 and a 92% reduction in telecommunications and resource-sharing funds.
A new bond bill called “Restore the Core” (H.B. 1199), sponsored by Rep. Carol Donovan (D-Middlesex), was filed in the House in December. It aims to replace $3.3 million in funding for core services including licensed databases, automated network connections, and regional delivery. At the same time, Gov. Mitt Romney’s FY 2004 budget, due at the end of February, could make additional cuts to library funds.
MBLC Director Robert Maier told American Libraries, “We’re fighting an uphill battle. If we don’t get this and we lose more, regional library systems will have to cut whole categories of service.” But he is “more hopeful today” than before the event, saying that the chances of the bill passing “improved immeasurably” because of their efforts. “The senators and representatives who spoke really expressed their support for libraries,” he said. “They communicated a commitment to working together to make this happen.”
Sen. Susan Fargo (D-Middlesex), a cosponsor of the bill, told AL she is supportive of the state’s libraries, adding, “We have wonderful libraries here.” When asked if the bill has a good chance of passing, she said, “I hope it will. I’m certainly going to work on that. The hard part will be getting the governor to free up the bond money.” A vote on the bill is expected by June.
Posted February 17, 2003.
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