PRESS RELEASES

Friday, February 20, 2009
Assemblywoman Paulin to Introduce Seven Bills to Help Libraries

As Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is a strong advocate for libraries. This year, she is introducing seven bills in the Assembly to help libraries during these difficult economic times. The primary focus of these bills is on securing essential aid for libraries in ways that do not balloon the budget.

For example, one of Paulin’s new bills will allow library systems to bid cooperatively for services or products. Currently, cooperative bidding by libraries is prohibited, which reduces their ability to get bulk discounts. By allowing for this practice, Paulin’s legislation implements a proven strategy which will promote the cost-effective delivery of library services.

Some of Paulin’s other bills will:

Amend the State Finance Law to allow surplus money in the Cultural Education Account to fund library-related programs.
Enable libraries to apply for funding from the dormitory authority by giving the New York State Library Association the ability to bundle together small construction projects and submit them jointly for financing.
Offer an enhanced merger incentive to school library systems that have already merged or may merge in the future, encouraging mergers which can lead to future savings.

The Assemblywoman’s new legislation also emphasizes fairness in the budgeting process, as illustrated by her bill which increases the amount of state construction grants for which libraries in high-needs areas of New York are eligible.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to focus on measures which are cost-effective,” said Paulin. “My new legislation will not only ensure that libraries will continue to be a valuable resource, but helps them do so in a cost-effective manner which does not dramatically impact the State’s budget,” she added.