HomeMy WebLinkAboutH- 5 Staff Report Legistation for New Statwide Library Bond Act 1
CONSENT CALENDAR
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ALBERT TOVAR, LIBRARY DIRECTOR
VIA: RICK COLE, CITY MANAGER
DATE: MARCH 31, 2003
SUBJECT: SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION FOR A NEW STATEWIDE LIBRARY BOND
ACT – SB 40 AND AB 222.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt a support position for SB 40.
2. Adopt a support position for AB 222.
3. Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter in support of SB 40 to members of the
Senate Appropriations Committee.
4. Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter in support of AB 222 to be sent to
members of the Assembly Local Government Committee.
BACKGROUND
In preparation for the existing $350 million Library Bond Act of 2000, a needs
assessment conducted by the State Librarian showed that California's public libraries
stand in need of more than $2 billion worth of construction, rehabilitation and
modernization.
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California libraries have been unable to keep up with the rapid growth in California,
and the increasing demand for library services, especially in the area of reading and
literacy programs. Many communities have no local libraries in areas where
population has grown significantly, and many existing libraries are either completely
antiquated or in need of significant remodeling. Our own Azusa City Library is an
example of a facility that needs upgrading.
Authors of SB 40 and AB 222 serve on the current Library Bond Act Board; California
State Senator Dede Alpert and California Assembly Member Ellen Corbett,
respectively. Both have heard testimony from California public library directors,
elected local officials, and library supporters regarding the need for new or expanded
library services in their local community.
Funds used to finance a new library bond act would be generated through general
obligation bonds.
If these bills are approved by the Legislature and by the Governor, they will be
presented to California voters in the direct primary of 2004. Why are there two bills?
SB 40 (Alpert) is very similar to the current Library Bond Act. SB 40 calls for $2 billion
for public library construction. AB 222 (Corbett) in print mirrors that of Senator
Alpert’s SB 40. Assemblywoman Corbett’s staff has indicated that the direction of AB
222 is somewhat different, including features such as a higher bond dollar amount.
Assemblywoman Corbett has been in contact with Senator Alpert about their joint
effort.
Attached is a recommended letter of support to be sent to the Senate
Appropriations Committee in support of SB 40 and a similar letter will be sent to the
Assembly Local Government Committee in support of AB 222.
Both bills are sponsored by the California Library Association.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as a result of taking these positions. Azusa will stand to gain
from any future library funding resulting from these measures.