Libraries
Funding Our Libraries:
After several years of appropriating adequate funding for public libraries, the General Assembly sharply decreased its support in the 2003-2004 budget. However, with my help the line item was raised in 2004-2005.
I am committed to finding as much money as we can for these invaluable institutions. They provide educational opportunities for children that cannot be replaced, and they are equally important to youth, adults, and retired persons. Libraries stabilize neighborhoods and make them more attractive to residents, businesses, and visitors. Adequate funding for public libraries (and an end to state imposed censorship) are among my top priorities.
Babette Responds to Constituents:
Library Funding
July 14, 2005
Dear Constituent,
I am writing to bring you up to date on state funding of public libraries.
As you may know, the General Assembly appropriated some $75 million statewide to libraries in Fiscal Year 2002-2003, our most recent high point. Unfortunately, immediately thereafter national resources were strained by the war in Iraq, the economy weakened, and finding money for important services in Pennsylvania became much more difficult. As a consequence, the amount dropped to about $47 million in the 2003-2004 budget. However, we did a little better in budget year 2004-2005 by appropriating about $58 million.
This year, however, I am happy to report we were able to continue to upward trend. The total appropriated for all Pennsylvania libraries came to $61.4 million. For Philadelphia libraries this translates into an increase over last year of about $424,000, just under 6% better than 2004-2005 but not up to the 2002-2003 appropriation. (Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education's page – www.pde.state.pa.us – for more detailed fiscal data.)
I am committed to finding as much money as we can for public libraries. Libraries represent educational opportunities for children and youth that cannot be replaced. They provide intellectual stimulation and social venues for retired folks. They improve the quality of life for all of us, stabilizing neighborhoods and making them more appealing to businesses, residents, and tourists.
I will work for much more adequate funding in the next budget and beyond. My goal is to top the $75 million record. Adequate funding for public libraries is among my most important priorities.
Yours,
Babette Josephs