Advocacy Issues

From Rob Lesher

I would like to thank everyone who was involved with helping the Library System restore our state aid.  In 2004, our state aid was reduced by 35% because of the hard financial picture the state faced in that year.  I am happy to announce that the State has restored the Library System’s aid to the 2003 level.  We will receive this payment in January 2007.

I would like to encourage you to send a letter to Governor Rendell, Senator Punt and Representative Steven Nickol thanking them for the restoration of this funding.  The restoration means that the children of Adams County will have greater access to the books they need to develop their reading skills.  The restoration means that we will be able to continue our full slate of computers classes which help adult and teen residents of Adams County develop computer skills.  The restoration means that we will be able to continue to offer Internet Access to the residents and visitors to Adams County in all of our libraries.  Governor Rendell may be reached at:  Governor Edward G. Rendell's Office, 225 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120.   Senator Punt may be reached at: Senator Terry L. Punt, 16 East Wing, Senate Box 203033, Harrisburg, PA 17120-3033. Representative Nickol may be reached at: Hon. Steven R. Nickol, 11 York Street, Suite 101, Hotel Richard McAllister, Hanover, PA 17331.

However there is still one issue which needs to be resolved.  With the restoration of the funding level to 2003, the formula which recognizes the additional contribution the Friends have made because of the funding cut was not restored at the same time.  The funding formula rewards local libraries for the funding they receive from local governments and from Friends groups.  It is very important to the Library System and to the state library community to have this formula restored.

As we move through the spring, we may be asking you to write to our Governor, State Senator, Representatives and especially our new representative Dan Moul to explain why the formula is so very important to library service in Adams County.   More information on this will be coming as the 2007-2008 budget is discussed in Harrisburg.

Thank you again for your support and we look forward to bringing great service to you in the coming year.

(Updated 1/2/2007)