SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

The role of libraries in the community is an important one and has long been appreciated by New York State's citizens. Last year, the Assembly echoed their appreciation of the role that public libraries and library systems play with their resounding override of the Governor's veto of the library funding restorations. Despite the overwhelming show of support for public library funding by the legislature, the Executive has again proposed a cut to libraries in his budget this year. This proposed 5% cut would represent a devastating loss to many public and school library systems. There has been no increase in funding since FY 1998-99, when the library funding formula was fully funded for the first time since it was amended in FY 1993-94. With the ever-growing costs associated with providing library services to a community, even a 5% reduction could lead to a loss of services, or potentially the closing of some of the State's school library systems. Additionally, a 5% reduction in state support will lead to an automatic 5% reduction in federal library funding, which is equivalent to nearly $500,000 in aid.

This year the legislature negotiated and passed a budget that restored this important funding to libraries and systems throughout the state. Once again this important funding was vetoed by the Governor. These hearings are to allow members of the library community to give testimony as to the impact of these cuts on their ability to serve the public.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to ten minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the Impact of the Governor's Vetoes on Public Libraries and Library Systems are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail or fax it to:

Julie Marlette
Legislative Associate
Assembly Committee on Libraries And Education Technology
Room 513 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
Email: marletj@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4881
Fax: (518) 455-4128

I plan to attend the following public hearing on the Governor's Vetoes on Public Libraries and Library Systems to be conducted by the Assembly Committee on Libraries And Education Technology on:

	Tuesday, October 12, in Kingston
	Wednesday, October 13, in Canandaigua
	Monday, October 18, in New York City
	Wednesday, October 20, in Rochester
	Tuesday, October 26, in White Plains

I plan to make a public statement at the hearing on the impact of the Governor's Vetoes on:

	Tuesday, October 12, in Kingston
	Wednesday, October 13, in Canandaigua
	Monday, October 18, in New York City
	Wednesday, October 20, in Rochester
	Tuesday, October 26, in White Plains

My statement will be limited to ten minutes, and I will answer any questions which may arise. I will provide 10 copies of my prepared statement at the hearing.

I will require assistance and/or handicapped accessibility information. Please specify the type of assistance required: