Thanks to your efforts we have relatively good news from Albany via the New York Library Association (NYLA) about the fate of Library Aid in the upcoming NYS Budget :
- The Library Aid program will be funded at $95.6 million reflecting a restoration of Governor Cuomo’s proposed cut. While this is flat funding over last year, our efforts staved off a reduction.
- Library Construction Aid has been increased to $24 million. This not only reverses the Governor’s proposed cut of $5 million, it also increases the Aid program by $5 million above where were last year!
- There is also word that there will be $15 million in Senate “Bullet Aid” for Special Legislative Grants for education institutions, including public libraries. While this is less than last year, it is still a viable source of funds for your library. NYLA will have a sample letter you can use to request funds through your State Senator soon.
MHLS thanks you for your efforts to influence this outcome. We saw three times as many library advocates participate, statewide, over last year and had record setting attendance at Library Advocacy Day in Albany. MHLS member libraries inspired more than 70 Hudson Valley families to participation in the MHLS Real People. Real Dollars. Campaign. All of this adds up to making a positive impression on decision makers in Albany which is how we make the case for increase to funds for library aid. Make no mistake, we were heard, and that is thanks to you.
