Chief Patron: Chichester
Co-Patron(s): Barry, Colgan, Houck, Marye, Norment, Puckett, Ticer, Wampler, Watkins, Whipple
LOV Restore State Aid to Local Libraries

Item 261 #1s

Language
Page 199, line 25, strike "$16,118,815" and insert "$19,806,213".
Page 199, line 25, strike "$16,118,815" and insert "$19,547,358".
Page 199, after line 30, insert:
"A.   It is the objective of the General Assembly and Governor to return to full funding of the formula for State Aid to Public Libraries and to achieve this objective by commencing a three-year phase-in of a return to full-funding of the State Aid to Public Libraries no later than FY 2005."

Explanation
(This amendment reduces the budget cut in aid to public libraries as proposed in SB 30, as introduced, from 25 percent in each year to a cut of 7 percent the first year and 8 percent the second year, consistent with proposed reductions for other state programs. Language establishes the objective of returning to full-funding with a three-year phase in, commencing in FY 2005. After a three-year phase-in led by the General Assembly, full funding of the State Aid to Public Libraries formula, established in statute in 1942 as part of the Commonwealth's provision for public education, was achieved in FY 2001. However, full funding of State Aid to Public Libraries was not maintained in FY 2002. Due to revenue shortfalls, state aid was reduced $3,800,000. )