Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $10,991,049 To Fund Local Public Library Services (requires The State To Contribute Twenty-five Percent (25%) Of The Municipal Funding Level For Public Library Services.)
Impact
The passage of S2307 is expected to stabilize funding for public libraries across the state, ensuring that they can continue to operate and serve their communities effectively. The appropriation aims to alleviate the financial strains that many cities and towns have experienced, allowing them to maintain essential library services that offer educational and informational resources to the public. By reinstating the state’s financial contribution, the bill seeks to foster an environment where local libraries can thrive and meet community needs.
Summary
S2307 is a joint resolution that proposes an appropriation of $10,991,049 to fund local public library services in Rhode Island. The legislation requires the state to contribute a minimum of twenty-five percent of the municipal funding level for public library services. This measure is designed to restore the state's commitment to supporting local libraries, which have faced financial challenges in recent years, particularly in light of cuts to funding that had historically been allocated for these services.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding S2307 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, particularly among its sponsors and library advocates who view it as a necessary step toward supporting education and literacy in the state. The strong bipartisan support evidenced by the voting history—where the bill passed with 38 yeas and no nays—suggests a shared recognition of the importance of library services to community well-being. Legislators likely see this funding as an investment in the future of Rhode Island's educational resources.
Contention
While there are no significant points of contention directly reported regarding S2307, concerns regarding consistent financial support for public libraries have been previously articulated in the context of broader budgetary constraints. The successful passage of this resolution may also highlight ongoing discussions on how best to balance state funding with local needs, ensuring equitable access to library services across all municipalities. Nevertheless, the collaborative effort to bring forward this bill indicates a unifying goal to preserve and enhance local library services.
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 2026.
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 2026.
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.
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.
Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation In The Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget To Fund Payments In Lieu Of Taxes (pilot) At The Full Twenty-seven Percent Level (this Joint Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation A Sum Sufficient To Fund Payments In Lieu Of Taxes At The Full Twenty-seven Percent.)
"Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians.
"Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians.