Bill Text: WV SCR74 | 2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study local funding of public libraries
Spectrum: Unknown
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-04-12 - Referred to Rules [SCR74 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2013-SCR74-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 74
[Originating in the Committee on Education]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study local funding of public libraries in the State of West Virginia and identify means, methods or mechanisms by which a statewide system of secure, predictable and adequate local funding of our state’s public libraries can be implemented.Whereas, West Virginia public libraries rank seventh in the nation in funding provided by the state, at $5.00 per capita; and
Whereas, West Virginia public libraries rank forty-eighth in the nation when state and local funding are combined; and
Whereas, West Virginia public libraries located in Berkeley, Cabell, Hardy, Harrison, Kanawha, Lincoln, Ohio, Raleigh, Tyler, Upshur and Wood counties enjoyed dedicated and reasonably adequate funding through special acts of the legislature, which funding is now in jeopardy due to a February, 2013, decision of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals which removes boards of education as mandatory partners in funding public libraries in those counties; and
Whereas, The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals decision presents a challenge to arrive at a statewide system of local funding of public libraries, which system plays a vital role in the educational development of children birth through age three, acquisition of early literacy skills, support for K-12 education, support for students pursuing higher education and support for all West Virginians who continue to learn throughout all of their lives; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study local funding of public libraries in the State of West Virginia and identify means, methods or mechanisms by which a statewide system of secure, predictable and adequate local funding of our state’s public libraries can be implemented; and be it
Further Resolved, that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2014, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, that the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
