Information from Lynda Murray at the Ohio Library Council regarding the recent budget announcements.
"News about the state budget has been fast and furious today. A number of reports by a variety of sources have been checked and verified. Reports out of both the legislature and the Governor's office are that progress is being made and they are close to an agreement, but it appears unlikely that any resolution will be reached in time to meet the July 1 deadline.
The Ohio Senate has just passed a continuing resolution and approved an interim budget to give themselves another week to work out an impasse over how to fill a $3.2 billion hole in the $54 billion budget. House concurrence is expected. The interim budget would run through July 7, giving legislators another week to balance the two-year spending plan that was to start Wednesday. The measure will fund state programs at 70% of the current level, and authorize Gov. Strickland to tap the state's rainy day fund to balance the 2009 budget that ends Tuesday. The aforementioned 30% reduction will not apply to the Public Library Fund and library funding will remain unchanged in the interim budget.
In a statement, Senate President Bill Harris praised the professionalism House and Senate negotiators have demonstrated, saying the interim budget was needed to allow adequate time "to mechanically get the bill ready for the floor."
The budget process is now in the negotiation stage. The calls and messages sent to the Governor's office and the legislature have been effective. However, at this point in the process, additional calls, e-mails, rallies, or other demonstrations of library support may not be effective."
Lynda recommends that the calls and demonstrations may not be effective at this point. We do thank everyone who has called and emailed. We may need you again soon! Thank you so much for all your support!
