New York State Legislature has passed a budget that contains good news for New York’s library community and those they serve
- Library Aid will be increased by more than $5 million over the Governor’s proposal of flat funding, bringing Library Aid up to $91.6 million – this is the largest increase to library aid in 7 years and matches the 6% increase education aid received!
● MTA Tax: $1.3 million was appropriated to rebate those libraries that paid in last year and Libraries and Library Systems now have permanent MTA tax exemption. The New York Library Community has been working to get this exemption since 2011.
● It’s official! There is $14 million in library construction aid confirmed so there will be another round of State Aid for Public Library Construction Grants for 2015-2016. Member Library Directors have been provide with a MHLS Action Memo (#15-04) which serves as the first step to apply in the next grant cycle.
Now is the time to voice your thanks to your elected representatives for their support. The New York Library Association’s Online Advocacy Center provides you with a pre-drafted thank you message. Or please feel free to call your legislators or write a note on your own stationary to express your thanks! Contact info for all NYS Legislators in the MHLS region
