Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) is carrying the torch for libraries across the state this year during budget negotiations as Gov. Hochul has proposed cutting library operating aid by $3.5 million and library capital funding by $20 million. On Tuesday, Slater proudly joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers and library trustees from across the state to call for a restoration of the funding.

“Libraries are an invaluable asset to our communities and one of the last remaining free educational resources people of all ages can use and enjoy,” Slater said. “These are important educational and cultural institutions that help us close the digital divide while providing innovative services that proved to be essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am calling on Gov. Hochul to restore her cuts to library aid immediately and stand with the dedicated volunteers and patrons of our state’s libraries.”