[Scla-list] Action Needed-Funding for Libraries

[Ray Turner]

Dear SCLA Members:

On yesterday afternoon, Thursday, June 10, the SCLA Legislative Committee Chair, Dr. Curtis Rogers shared with the Listserv SCAPLA Action Alert regarding the current budget situation.  I think it is necessary as individuals and residents of South Carolina to express our concerns about the future of libraries and library services in South Carolina.  Please see the message below and act accordingly:

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

The Governor’s vetoes (Veto 31 and 92) will be considered by the House on Tuesday, June 15.  If the House does not override the vetoes then the Senate will not even consider them. So, at this time, we must focus exclusively on the House, and we must be relentless.  If we do not “win” on Tuesday then over $6.5 million in State funds (including stimulus) is GONE, and we jeopardize losing $2.7 million in Federal LSTA funds.

 Here are the details:
Veto # 31 on page 14 of the Governor’s memo is Aid to Public Libraries - $4,653,933
Veto #92 on page 28 of the Governor’s memo is Federal Stimulus Funds - $1,172,758 (.29/capita)

 Here is the Message:
Cutting funds to public libraries will kill the economy.  Public libraries provide crucial educational and employment assistance and if this funding goes away so does our ability to educate and prepare students and the unemployed for the workforce.

Aid to Public Libraries is funding that supports direct public services;  [Insert how you spend State Aid here]
Federal Stimulus is used at the discretion of the County Library Boards to bridge gaps in technology, programs and the collection.

 Here is the Contact Information:
South Carolina House Contact Info:  http://www.scstatehouse.gov/html-pages/housemembers.html
When you look at the list of Representatives you will see that the home county of each Representative is in bold. We are asking you to take responsibility for those whose home county is your service area. House Fax Number: 803-734-2925

 ALSO, Please remember: SCLA’s Legislative Action Alert page has CapWiz which allows you to contact your legislator.  http://capwiz.com/ala/sc/home/


Sincerely,
Rayburne J.  Turner
SCLA President
www.scla.org<http://www.scla.org/>
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