AG 1996 12 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Proposed Goals (As Approved by Board of Directors) GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1. Support for Funds for Libraries · Increased State Aid to Libraries to support 74 public library systems; Provision of state funds to assist local governments with renovation and construction of public library facilities with a match from local sources of at lea?: 50% of total cost (planning grants also would be available); and · Funding of the State Library's expansion request to support technical assistant% training, and statewide services for local libraries. (1995 Goal) The Association's 1995 Legislative Goals included support for increased funding for the state's libraries. We had also supported a similar goal in 1993; but were contacted by representatives of the Public Library Directors Association and the State Librarian prior 'k; the 1995 Session about plans for a major effort to increase state funding for libraries. Over the last 15 years, local (mainly county) funding for public libraries has grown significantly while state funding has remained static. The request presented in 1995 would have increased state funding from $10.9 million to $25 million. Significant funding was also requested for new library construction and for technological improvements. The system received no funds for construction and only $2 million in expansion budget operations funds. In the coming session, funding is also being sought for an Electronic Library Project, at a cost of $4 to $5 million, with funding through several institutional budgets (Community Colleges, Universities, Department of Cultural Resources). Members of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and the Legislative Goals Committee expressed strong support for increased state funding so as to restore some of the historical balance between state and local funding of our libraries. 2. Constitutional Home Rule Seek legislation to provide for a legislative study of constitutional home rule for governments. (1995 Goal) North Carolina is a "Dillon's Rule" state, meaning that local governments have only the authority granted to them by the state. Approximately half of the 50 states use the "Home Rule" (or a modified version thereof) under which local governments enjoy authority ~ ,* expressly denied to them by the state or by federal law.