You can see the OLC’s testimony on the Ohio Channel beginning at the 4:54:40 mark.
OLC testified April 27 before the House Finance Committee. Special thanks to the following members who made the trip to Columbus to share their stories. Kim Fender, Chair of OLC’s Government Relations Committee and Director of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County presented testimony on the Public Library Fund (PLF) and overall funding cuts. Tom Adkins, Director of the Garnet A. Wilson Public Library in Pike County testified about his library’s response to the opioid crisis. And Joe Palmer, Director of the Mansfield-Richland County Public Library talked specifically about how libraries help Ohioans find jobs and provide other essential services during economic downturns.
It was a long day of testimony, but you can see the OLC’s portion on the Ohio Channel beginning at the 4:54:40 mark.
Amendment
Thank you to everyone who has contacted members of the Ohio House Leadership and House Finance Committee. Rep. Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) has offered to sponsor an amendment to Sub. HB 49 that would set the PLF at 1.68% instead of 1.66% (to help minimize the cut). In addition, Rep. Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek) has stepped forward and agreed to sponsor the amendment as well.
Webinar
The OLC is hosting a
State Budget Update Webinar on
Mon., May 8, at
12 p.m. to keep you up-to-date on all of the changes. Michelle Francis, OLC Director of Government and Legal Services, will provide the latest information on the state budget and, in particular, public library funding as the amended state budget bill (Sub. HB 49) moves from the Ohio House of Representatives to the Ohio Senate. This webinar is free for OLC members.
Learn more and register.
Advocacy Tools
