Ohio State Budget Surplus Good News for Libraries

Norman Oder -- School Library Journal, 6/22/2005

Ohio library advocates got encouraging news on June 9: a new state budget surplus may eliminate the need for further cuts to libraries. The state’s Office of Budget and Management (OBM) estimates that revenues will increase by $400 million a year. The surplus derives from tax collections that were higher than expected, lowered projections for Medicaid enrollees, and higher estimates for future tax revenues. Legislative leaders say their priorities include investing in higher education and “protecting local governments and libraries,” among others. Though the Ohio Library Council (OLC) says that specifics are not available, OLC will continue to work with legislators on the issue. State public library funding was frozen at 2004 levels through December and will be cut by five percent beginning January 2006.

Legislators working on the budget aim to work out a compromise by June 27, and Governor Bob Taft must sign a balanced budget by the end of the month. OBM director Tom Johnson says that restoring the aid for cities, counties, and libraries will cost about $180 million over the two years, according to the Associated Press.