Bill Text: NJ AR38 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Memorializes President and Congress to use a portion of expected stimulus money to update and renovate deteriorating public libraries in the State.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-01-12 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee [AR38 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-AR38-Introduced.html
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
214th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2010 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CONNIE WAGNER
District 38 (Bergen)
Assemblyman ALBERT COUTINHO
District 29 (Essex and Union)
SYNOPSIS
Memorializes President and Congress to use a portion of expected stimulus money to update and renovate deteriorating public libraries in the State.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
An Assembly Resolution memorializing the President and Congress to use a portion of the expected stimulus money to update and renovate deteriorating public libraries in the State.
Whereas, According to the New Jersey State Library, approximately 110 State libraries are deteriorating, and are in need of library construction funding in order to perform desperately needed updates and renovations; and
Whereas, Public libraries depend heavily on local property taxes to maintain operations, and increased foreclosure rates, lower home values, and fewer sales have sharply reduced available public library funds; and
Whereas, The funding formula in New Jersey for each municipality's library results in approximately $33 in taxpayer funds for every $100,000 of a home's value, which does not generate enough money to keep some library systems fully funded; and
Whereas, The House of Representatives introduced an $825 billion economic recovery package on January 15, 2009, which intends to make long-term investments in public works, including a large increase in spending on education; and
Whereas, Public libraries play a unique role in American society by educating the people, supporting democracy by providing people with the tools to make informed decisions, and by providing a safe and welcoming gathering place where people can explore and discuss ideas without fear of reprisal or censorship; and
Whereas, As the nation continues to experience an economic downturn, public libraries are providing valuable free tools and resources to help Americans, including but not limited to library computers and Internet services, resume and job search assistance, help with navigating unemployment insurance forms, on-site financial education classes, and information on tax preparation; and
Whereas, Public libraries are an investment in our future and the future of our citizens, and require attention, time, and resources to remain valuable and to grow; and
Whereas, In order for New Jersey public libraries to flourish and to continue to provide essential services to the public, funding to help restore deteriorating State libraries is crucial; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The General Assembly of the State of New Jersey respectfully memorializes the President and Congress to use a portion of the expected stimulus money to update and renovate deteriorating public libraries in the State.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk thereof, shall be transmitted to the President and Vice-President of the United States, the Governor and President of the New Jersey Senate, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and every member of Congress elected from this State.
STATEMENT
This Assembly Resolution memorializes the President and Congress to use a portion of the expected stimulus money to update and renovate deteriorating public libraries in the State.
According to the New Jersey State Library, approximately 110 State libraries are deteriorating, and are in need of library construction funding in order to perform desperately needed updates and renovations. Public libraries are essential as centers of learning and as hubs for human interaction, and are especially vital during the economic downturn as a source of access to free Internet and financial services. Thus, it is imperative that deteriorating public libraries are updated and renovated so that they can continue to provide such crucial services.
