Tell the Ohio House: Don’t Cut Ohio Libraries!
Ohio’s libraries are facing an unprecedented challenge in the Ohio House of Representatives, and we need your help. This week, the Ohio House introduced their version of the state budget. The bill introduced in the House Finance Committee eliminates the Public Library Fund (PLF) as it currently exists in state law.
How will the House’s version of the budget impact Ohio?
• The Ohio House of Representatives’ biennium budget proposal eliminates the Public Library Fund, a mechanism that has funded 251 public library systems for four decades.
• Ohio House Members plan to replace the Public Library Fund with a lump dollar amount for all Ohio libraries, which will result in cuts to libraries across the state.
• The Public Library Fund has remained flat for 25 years. The Putnam County District Library currently receives the same amount of money as it did in the year 2000.
• We are 90% reliant upon state funding as we do NOT have a local tax levy.
• If you value your libraries in Continental, Columbus Grove, Fort Jennings, Kalida, Leipsic, Ottawa, Ottoville, and Pandora please help us by contacting Rep. Roy Klopfenstein and House Speaker Matt Huffman and tell them:
1. DON’T CUT OHIO’S PUBLIC LIBRARIES!
2. DON’T CUT MY LIBRARY! Share what you love about your library and the impact it has had on your life. Personal stories that resonate with legislators need to be told.
3. The ASK – Restore the PLF to 1.75% as the Governor intended!
Please HELP US before April 8th by calling or emailing:
Representative Klopfenstein
614-644-5091
https://ohiohouse.gov/members/roy-klopfenstein/contact
House Speaker Huffman
614-644-5091
https://ohiohouse.gov/members/matt-huffman/contact
Sincerely,
Kelly Ward
Director