NYLA Legislative Alert

Dear Colleagues and Library Advocates,

State Budget negotiations are ramping up as both the Assembly and the Senate prepare to release their budget proposals by early next week. Despite the state receiving approximately $24.6 billion in federal stimulus funds including $2.4 billion for school aid over the next two years, Library Aid funding remains in jeopardy.

Next Tuesday, March 10th is Library Lobby Day> The library community is urged to make every effort to participate so we can have a strong showing in Albany that will demonstrate to public policymakers the urgent need to restore the proposed $18 million or 18% cut in Library Aid that will impact all types of libraries, public, school and college.

Full details about Pre-Lobby Day, Monday, March 9th and Library Lobby Day, Tuesday, March 10th can be found on NYLA's website at www.nyla.org. If you are interested in attending, contact your regional coordinator, a list can be found on NYLA's Lobby Day page.

In addition, a video of NYLA's Executive Director's appearance on Senator Liz Krueger's (D-Manhattan) cable show and NYLA's testimony before the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing can now be viewed by going to www.nyla.org under Headlines.

Also links to information about the federal stimulus package and how it impacts libraries and how libraries can apply for funding from the state can also be found on the NYLA website.