Libraries Object To Governor's Budget Plan

By: AP | NBC4i.com
Published: June 20, 2009

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Lobbyists for Ohio's public libraries say Gov. Ted Strickland's latest round of proposed spending cuts would dramatically hurt library patrons. Lynda Murray of the Ohio Library Council says some libraries may have to cut their hours in half. Strickland announced $2.4 billion in spending cuts late Friday, including a $112 million cut to Ohio's 251 library systems, two-thirds of which do not have a local property tax levy to rely on.

Ohio is facing a $3.2 billion budget deficit amid declining tax revenues. Tim Kambitch, director of the Dayton Metro Library, said he would have to close some of the city's 20 branches if the new round of state funding cuts goes through.

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