Governor Addresses Library Funding

Governor Ed Rendell spoke today about the need to ensure proper funding of libraries by the state. Currently there are two budget proposals being considered in Harrisburg. Governor Rendell's proposal would cause a slight reduction in funding of libraries from last years levels and would provide $68 million in subsidies. The Senate Republicans proposal would result in a much larger reduction in funding of only $37 million for libraries. State Department of Education Communications Director Michael Race says the proposal by the Senate Republicans would drastically reduce the ability of libraries to provide much needed services throughout the state. Race said that even though Pennsylvania is more than a month over its budget deadline he does not foresee the two sides reaching an agreement on library funding anytime soon.