Library Aid down

The 2009-10 Executive Budget proposes a $18 million or 18% cut in Library Aid. This would bring Library Aid down to 1993 levels and is on top of two cuts (3%) in 2008 which reduced Library Aid from $102 million to $98.5 million. (This basically a repackaing of the same cut proposed on November 18th by the Division of Budget, that the Library Rally and other advocacy efforts help prevent.)

Library Materials Aid for School Libraries remains steady at $6.25 per pupil.

School Aid was reduced by $698 million, but BOCES Aid was increased by $33 million. See link for complete list of changes.
Public Library Construction Aid - $800,000 line item was eliminated, but the $14 million in borrowed funding for library construction remains intact. NYLA is working with Division of Library Development and the American Library Association to insure that a federal stimulus package for public works projects includes funds for libraries.

Adult Literacy Education (ALE) funds remains level a $4.9 million (libraries are elgible to apply for these funds)

SUNY/CUNY tuition increases of 14% and 15% respectively were proposed. $338 million in cuts overall proposed - see here for detailed info.

BUNDY Aid (for private colleges) was cut by $2 million.

The Executive Budget also includes two changes with potential benefits for libraries that NYLA advocated for:

Computer Software Aid - language was revised to allow the purchase of materials in electronic format which are access or delivered through the internet.

Local Government Efficiency Grants - language was amended to allow all types of public libraries to apply for these shared services grants including association, school library district and special legislative district libraries.

NYLA will be updating its Talking Points and 2009 Budget Priorities over the next week for use by library advocates in their meetings with legislators. An updated History of Library Aid, Library Circulation and Visitation Charts are already up on its website.

In addition, NYLA is looking for examples of how libraries have helped people find jobs, create new businesses, etc. Also they need to know if your library has a business or employment center (physical space dedicated for such use) or job assistance program, etc.