In this issue:

I. Legislative Update

II. Sunset Hearing

I. Legislative Update

The Texas House of Representatives passed its version of the Appropriations bill last week with no unexpected changes to library program funding. A proposed amendment which would have secured additional funds for Loan Star Libraries was withdrawn. As reported earlier, the House budget recommendations consist of a restoration of the 10% cut to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission budget and recommendations in Article XI funding (“wish list” funding items should additional funds become available) for K-12 databases and an increase for TexShare.

The Senate Finance Committee finalized its version of the budget and is recommending an increase of $1 million/year for direct aid to public libraries and $500,000 per year for TexShare.

Once the full Senate finalizes its budget, the House and Senate Conference Committee will begin negotiating the differences in the recommendations.  Library supporters must campaign strongly for the Conference Committee to accept the Senate recommendations for direct aid to public libraries and TexShare AND to fund the House Article XI item of $2.5 million/year for K-12 databases.

Of note, HB 1632 (Eissler) which deals with the student technology allotment may make provision for database funding. Proponents of the bill are drafting language that may help make funds available for instructional databases.

II. Sunset Hearing

The House Committee on State Culture, Recreation, and Tourism will meet on Tuesday, April 10 and will consider HB 2845, the House version of the State Library and Archives Commission’s reauthorization bill. Committee members are: Reps. Harvey Hilderbran (Chair), Edmund Kuempel (Vice-Chair), Dawnna Dukes, Mark Homer, Donna Howard, Mike O’Day, and Larry Phillips.

If your representative serves on the Committee (For contact information, see http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Committees/MembershipCmte.aspx?LegSess=80R&CmteCode=C430), you are encouraged to contact that office and ask for support of the agency’s reauthorization bill.