Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2589

Introduced
3/1/24  

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

By setting a fixed funding percentage, S2589 aims to stabilize and guarantee a level of financial support for public libraries, which are crucial for community development and education. The legislation indicates that the state's contribution will utilize funds from both the general fund and the American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery Fund. This approach signifies an acknowledgment of the economic challenges faced by libraries and an effort to ensure they have adequate resources to operate and serve the public effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill S2589 requires the state of Rhode Island to fix its share of funding for public libraries at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by individual cities or towns for the fiscal year 2024. This bill emphasizes the importance of public libraries as essential institutions that support democracy by providing access to educational, cultural, and informational resources. It acknowledges the various ways libraries adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue serving their communities, including virtual programming and curbside services.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB S2589 may relate to the balance of power between state and local governments regarding budgetary decisions for public services. While the bill seeks to provide consistent funding for libraries, some local governments may feel that this mandated state contribution inadequately addresses their specific financial needs. Additionally, the reliance on federal recovery funds, such as those from the American Rescue Plan Act, could raise concerns about long-term sustainability if such funding is not guaranteed in future budget cycles.

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.