RCLS Advocacy Committee: Legislative Session

As stated by the New York Library Association:

The Executive Budget was released by Governor Kathy Hochul on January 16, 2024. It includes:

• Library Aid $102.1M
  • +$3.5M increase from FY2023 Enacted Budget
• Library Construction $34M
  • Flat to FY2024 Enacted Budget
• Library Materials Aid: $6.25/pupil
  • Flat to FY2024 Enacted Budget
• NOVELny: $3M
  • New allocation for FY2025

Budgetary Asks are as follows:

Library Operating Aid: $147.1 million

Since its inception in 1991, Library Operating Aid has been underfunded by a cumulative $207.035 million relative to what is statutory under state law, with $157.035 million dollars coming in just the last fifteen years.

Library Construction Aid: $69.4 million The New York State Division of Library Development estimates a current statewide need of $1.75 billion for library construction. Current funding at $34 million is wholly inadequate if we are to ensure that our libraries are physically sound and accessible for all patrons.

Library Materials Aid: $11.00/pupil Since 1994, the per pupil rate for library materials has only increased $4.25 and has remained flat at $6.25 since 2007. In 2022, the average cost of a hardcover children’s book purchased by a school library was $21.31.

NOVELny Program: $3 million NYLA supports a $3 million allocation for the continuation of the NOVELny program beyond its scheduled funding-related termination on June 30, 2024. Doing so would ensure equity of access to essential database resources for all New Yorkers, from students in K-12 classrooms to life-long learners in the public setting

Spectrum News has been providing updates regarding the FY25 budget. To learn more about the process regarding negotiations, watch this short video.