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In this issue

I. State Library Legislative Appropriations Request

A. Base Budget and Exceptional Items
B. No New Funding Requests for TexShare and K-12 Databases
C. Cuts to Systems Program Funding

II.  Funding for All Types of Libraries

III. TLA Response to Sunset Draft Recommendations

I. State Library Legislative Appropriations Request

A.  Base Budget and Exceptional Items
The State Library Commission voted to approve the staff recommended Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for 2008-2009 on August 4, 2006.  While the agency did not make public any completed version of the budget until after the hearing, the agency did disclose plans concerning its exceptional items  request prior to the meeting. In state budgeting matters, exceptional items are funding requests made above the base budget for programs and services at current levels.

The two exceptional items the agency included were a request for a funding increase for Loan Star Libraries in the amount of $11.6 million a year and a request for General Obligation Funds to cover new costs (in the amount of $21.7  million) for the renovation of the Lorenzo de Zavala Building, the State Library building.

TSLAC, like all other state agencies, had to include a 10% cut in state funds in its base budget. Most (approximately $1.3 million) of what amounted to a $1.5 million/year cut was taken from the Loan Star Libraries program.

B. No New Funding Requests for TexShare and K-12 Databases 
The agency presented its rationale for limiting its exceptional items request to one library program—Loan Star—as the need to strengthen public libraries and to restore the 10% cut. The agency pointed to the reinstatement of competitive grants as a way of serving all types of libraries through it proposed budget. The agency also noted that, despite the requirement of a 10% cut, the agency “held harmless” the TexShare program and, given the partial reinstatement of TexShare funds last session, the TexShare program did not require a request for additional funds this biennium.  The agency also made no funding request for K-12 database licenses. Commission administrators have stated their belief that the agency should focus its efforts exclusively on increasing public library funding this session.

Representatives of the Texas Library Association testified before the Commission on August 4th concerning the exceptional item requests.  The testimony supported a policy letter drafted by the TLA Executive Board formally urging the Commission to include an exceptional item request for funds to cover K-12 database licenses and for an increase in TexShare funding.  TLA noted that a budget, as a critical communication tool to express public needs to lawmakers, should address the most pressing library priorities. The TLA Board expressed its support for the exceptional items request for Loan Star Libraries but specified the absolute need in school libraries for statewide databases and the ongoing need to work towards reinstating  TexShare to its fullest level of funding.

 

The staff-recommended budget was approved by a vote of four to two and submitted to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB).

 

C. Cuts to Systems Program Funding 

Once the budget was submitted to the LBB, the agency published the final budget, which also included significant cuts to the Library Systems program. These cuts were not related to the 10% mandated cut, and no provision was made to request reinstatement of those funds.

 

In addition to moving $2 million from the Library Systems program to Loan Star libraries (which would leave the Library Systems program funded at about $5.5 million  statewide), the Commission further cut this program by approximately $1.5 million in 2008 and $2.2 million in 2009.  The agency is proposing using the funds cut from the Library Systems program for competitive grants.   

 

To view the final TSLAC LAR, go to: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/agency/budget/FY0809_LAR_Summary.html. 

 

II.  Funding for All Types of Libraries 

 

The TSLAC LAR contains vital elements to the library community. A request for an increase in Loan Star Libraries, as well as continued funding for existing library programs, remains a priority.  The Texas Library Association will also advocate for library programs not included in any state agency budget. These items include K-12 database funding and an increase in TexShare. The association will also work with stakeholder groups to prevent any decreases in library funding.

 

The Texas Library Association Council passed a resolution during Annual Assembly stating the association’s position supporting the reauthorization of the State Library during its Sunset Review and also affirmed the importance of library resource sharing programs for all types of libraries, library development, and the Library Systems program.

                        

III. TLA Response to Sunset Draft Recommendations

 

The Texas Library Association has filed its response to the Texas Sunset Advisory Staff Report on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The published report may be accessed at http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/80.htm#lac.

 

The Sunset Commission will hold hearings on the State Library on November 14 and 15, 2006 in Austin.