Sunday, January 20, 2008

Governor Culver's Proposed Cuts to Enrich Iowa

It's one thing to hear that Enrich Iowa will be cut by $725,002.31, if Governor Culver's proposal for FY2009 stands. It's quite another to see the impact on particular libraries. To that end, we've prepared a spreadsheet showing precisely how much each Enrich Iowa library stands to lose: Enrich Iowa Cuts.

In all, some 480 libraries supporting local programs with Enrich Iowa money have a stake in this fight. From Ackley (-$1,203.94) to Zearing (-$1035.77), library patrons across the state will see cuts to critical services.

For example, the Waterloo (-$12,268.23) and Cedar Falls (-$7,449.04) libraries have been pooling their Enrich Iowa money to fund the Third Age Project which provides outreach services to nursing home and home-bound residents in their service areas. A 75% cut may well result in a dramatic reduction in services.

If you agree Enrich Iowa funding is worth saving, contact Governor Culver through his website form and tell him so. Or, call his office at 515.281.5211 and leave a message with his staff.

Be sure to give him examples of how Enrich Iowa cuts will hurt library patrons!

Finally, it's okay for us to be adamant, but not okay to be rude or abusive. We've got a great case, let's make it with facts and logic.

If you have questions or comments, please contact me by email: MikeDargan@iowalibraryassociation.org.

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