Posted July 16, 2004.

House Committee Approves $22-Million Increase for LSTA

The House Appropriations Committee passed appropriations for labor, health and human services, education, and related agencies July 14, recommending an overall funding level of $261.7 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services for 2005; within IMLS, the Library Services and Technology Act would receive nearly $220 million, an increase of $21.8 million over FY 2004.

For the Improving Literacy Through Schools program, however, the committee recommended funding at only $19.8 million—the same as 2004 and significantly less than the $100 million the American Library Association had urged in order to assure funds would be available in all 50 states.

The appropriations bill also eliminated 24 programs, including the Star Schools, the Community Technology Centers programs, and the Innovative Education State Grant program. However, the bill restored some programs President Bush had eliminated in his 2005 budget, such as the Even Start family literacy program, which was funded at $246.9 million.

The full House is expected to consider the appropriations bill next week.

Posted July 16, 2004.