Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7335

Introduced
1/26/24  

Caption

Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2024, utilizing funds from the general fund or the American Rescue Plan Act.

Impact

The bill is a response to the challenges faced by public libraries, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Libraries have been vital in providing community resources such as virtual programming and access to information during times of crisis. By fixing the state aid at a determined percentage, the bill seeks to ensure consistent funding that will enable libraries to maintain their services and support community needs effectively. This legislative move is expected to stabilize library funding and promote long-term sustainability in public services.

Summary

House Bill H7335 aims to secure state funding for public libraries in Rhode Island, specifically by mandating that the state's share to support local library services be set at twenty-five percent of the amount appropriated by individual cities or towns. This percentage applies to the budgets for fiscal year 2025, utilizing funds from both the state general fund and supplemented by federal funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act. The bill is introduced by a group of representatives underscoring the importance of public libraries in enhancing the cultural and educational landscape of the state.

Contention

While the bill appears to have support among various stakeholders concerned with library funding, it could raise discussions regarding the allocation of state resources amidst broader budgetary constraints. There are concerns about whether setting a fixed percentage for state support may limit the flexibility required to address individual town needs and fluctuating economic conditions that affect public spending. The balance between ensuring a stable funding mechanism and leaving room for local decision-making might be a point of debate among legislators.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5095

State Aid To Libraries

RI S0541

State Aid To Libraries

RI H5200

Making Appropriations For The Support Of The State For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H6404

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H6261

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $1,000,000 From The American Rescue Plan Act Funds To The Town Of Foster To Resolve Covid-inflated Costs Impacting Construction Addressing Public Safety, Building Code And Ada Compliance Issues With The Town's Police Station And Public Safety Complex (authorizes The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $1,000,000 To The Town Of Foster For Relief In Combating Elevated Covid-related Construction Costs To The Town's Police Station And Public Safety Complex.)

RI H6276

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0994

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S1070

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $14,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Town-wide Centralized Rescue Station And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof And All Costs Related Thereto

RI H6453

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $14,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Town-wide Centralized Rescue Station And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof And All Costs Related Thereto

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.