They're lowering funding for libraries?!

angiec418

Heard on the radio a couple days ago that the governor of Ohio is wanting to cut funding for libraries, meaning most of them will end up closing.

1) Why did I not get the opportunity to vote on this issue?

2) Are you serious, Ohio??????

Jessie0706

This economy sucks. Why can't they cut less important things, like the raises and bonuses the CEOs of companies get? NOT the education and libraries! Ugh... Mental health got bad cuts here in MN and that effects my job... Yuck.

sweetie_roo

oh gosh, that's awful! 

TarheelsInNJ

This was an issue for NYC public libraries too. They are considering cutting back hours and services because of budget cuts.

jennybeams

Our (CT) Gov just signed the bill reducing funding and internet service to all public libraries.  There goes DH's chance of ever getting a Librarian job in the state we live in.  I guess he'll have to keep looking in RI & MA.

Shannonlea

Yep, its sad.  I live in OH and was very dissapointed to hear this.

Mabzie

you should hear what they plan on doing in our city.  its not really fair to families and their children. 

Tonya_G

Yeah, but he wants to add 20 days on to the school year, because that's going to solve all of societies ills. I don't like our governor anymore. I'm mad I voted for him. I think it's his time to go away.

DiscusCoach

What would you prefer they cut? (I am not asking sarcastically - I am curious.)

What do you have to say to all  of those people who lied about their income, bought houses they couldn't afford and now aren't paying property taxes because they are in foreclosure? How about the idiots that gave them the loans?

In my state 50% of stated income loans are in foreclosure or are beginning the process.

I, at one point, worked 1 full time job and 4 part time jobs to make my house payments. I know some people are totally stuck but we have a whole lot of people out here who have simply decided to stop paying as real estate is no longer a "good investment".

OK - vent over.

 

angie_lu

Ohio's libraries have depended on state funding for the bulk of their funding for many years (many libraries receive 50% or more from state funding rather than local tax revenue).  This was fine when business was good and tax coffers were full.  Now that the state has declining funds, the funding will have to come from somewhere else.  Local libraries will have to examine other funding opportunities and patrons who use libraries will have to determine whether they will be willing to pay a little more in taxes to make up the difference.

In Louisville, the public library system is funded through the Metro government budget, which means all the public safety and other public service agencies all compete for pieces of the pie.  We have a budget shortfall and voters turned down a modest occupational tax that would have created a library district, earmarking those funds specifically for library use.  As a result, many branches had to eliminate hours and plans to construct new libraries were downsized or cut out completely.

 I just received my MLS and many public libraries are hurting for funding, which has made my job search extremely difficult.  But I'm a patron and a mom and cutbacks hurt too because I use those services.  I also see the value in paying a little extra to help them continue, but not everyone feels the same way.

sadielove

https://saveohiolibraries.com/

SuperSteph31

Jessie0706:

This economy sucks. Why can't they cut less important things, like the raises and bonuses the CEOs of companies get? NOT the education and libraries! Ugh... Mental health got bad cuts here in MN and that effects my job... Yuck.

Maybe because the government doesn't pay for the raises and bonuses that CEO's get, and therefore have no ability to "cut" them.