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OHIO RESIDENTS: EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
Jun. 21st, 2009 09:25 pmDayton Metro Library Faces Extreme Cuts
Legislators Need to Hear From Library Users and Supporters
June 19, 2009
Gov. Strickland announced plans today to remove $213.4 million in funding to Ohio's public libraries in order to fund other budget priorities. The funding for Ohio's libraries would drop to half of 2008 levels under his proposal. The cost to the Dayton Metro Library would be $2.3 million in 2009 and $4.7 million in 2010. The cut for this year would be in addition to the $4.1 million reduction the library is already facing.
"Cuts of this size would be absolutely devastating," said Tim Kambitsch, Executive Director of the Dayton Metro Library. "We are struggling to stay open with the cuts we have already absorbed. If passed, there will be deep cuts in hours, elimination of services to residents of every age, and frankly I have a hard time imagining how we can avoid closing branches. I urge everyone to immediately contact their representatives in the Ohio House and Senate." Kambitsch said he was surprised, "The library community had no idea these additional cuts were coming."
The governor's proposal must be approved by the Conference Committee of the Ohio Legislature, which is currently working out differences between the Senate and House budget bills.
What do you think? Is it a good idea to slash library budgets to cover other legislative priorities? Let you State Senator and State Representative know what you think immediately.
House Members:
Senate Members:
June 19, 2009
Gov. Strickland announced plans today to remove $213.4 million in funding to Ohio's public libraries in order to fund other budget priorities. The funding for Ohio's libraries would drop to half of 2008 levels under his proposal. The cost to the Dayton Metro Library would be $2.3 million in 2009 and $4.7 million in 2010. The cut for this year would be in addition to the $4.1 million reduction the library is already facing.
"Cuts of this size would be absolutely devastating," said Tim Kambitsch, Executive Director of the Dayton Metro Library. "We are struggling to stay open with the cuts we have already absorbed. If passed, there will be deep cuts in hours, elimination of services to residents of every age, and frankly I have a hard time imagining how we can avoid closing branches. I urge everyone to immediately contact their representatives in the Ohio House and Senate." Kambitsch said he was surprised, "The library community had no idea these additional cuts were coming."
The governor's proposal must be approved by the Conference Committee of the Ohio Legislature, which is currently working out differences between the Senate and House budget bills.
What do you think? Is it a good idea to slash library budgets to cover other legislative priorities? Let you State Senator and State Representative know what you think immediately.
House Members:
| Name | Phone Number | Fax Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seth Morgan | 614-644-8051 | 614-719-3590 | District36@ohr.state.oh.us |
| Peggy Lehner | 614-644-6008 | 614-719-3591 | District37@ohr.state.oh.us |
| Terry Blair | 614-466-6504 | 614-719-6966 | District38@ohr.state.oh.us |
| Clayton Luckie | 614-466-1607 | 614-719-6967 | District39@ohr.state.oh.us |
| Roland Winburn | 614-466-2960 | 614-719-6940 | District40@ohr.state.oh.us |
Senate Members:
| Name | Phone Number | Fax Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Strahorn | 614-466-6247 | N/A | senatorstrahorn@maild.sen.state.oh.us |
| John Husted | 614-466-4538 | 614-466-7662 | SD06@senate.state.oh.us |
