American LibrariesSearch American Libraries  |
||
Site Navigation
Left Sidebar Items |
||
Ohio Budget Revamps Library-Funding MechanismOhio Gov. Ted Strickland’s 2008–09 budget proposal eliminates the freeze in public library funding that has been in effect since 2001. Although the Library and Local Government Support Fund remains frozen through 2007, Strickland has called for a modest increase in the fund, from its current $458-million level to an estimated $462 million in 2008 and $464.9 million in 2009.Strickland’s proposal also changes the revenue source for the fund: Since 1985, the LLGSF has been based on a percentage of personal income taxes, and income-tax cuts in recent years have eroded its base, the Ohio Library Council explained. The new system would broaden the fund’s base to encompass all General Revenue taxes, including sales taxes, corporate franchise taxes, and public utility taxes. Where the fund previously consisted of 5.7% of the state’s income tax revenue, it will now be 2.2% of General Revenue taxes, and its name will change to the Local Libraries Fund (LLF) to emphasize its support of public libraries. In recent years, as the state suffered an ongoing budget crisis, Ohio governors and legislators have called for cuts in or even elimination of the LLGSF. “This is the first budget in five years that proposes any growth for public libraries,” observed OLC Director of Government and Legal Services Lynda Murray. “This growth is very modest, and I view this as the beginning of re-establishing a partnership with the state, not the final chapter.” Posted on April 6, 2007. |
Right Sidebar
|
|
