2024-11 Resolution of the Council, re: Supporting legislation (2024-H 7335) introduced to fully funding libraries to the full Twenty-five (25) percent.

Resolution for the Middletown Town Council
In support of fully funding state aid to libraries to the full Twenty-five (25) percent

WHEREAS: For many people, public libraries are their only means of access to computer services and all forms of media essential for fulfilling and productive lives, and

WHEREAS: Free public libraries are essential to the general enlightenment of citizens in a democracy and provide for the cultural, educational, informational, and research needs for all citizens, and

WHEREAS: The Constitution of the State of Rhode Island in Article XII, Section I, states that it "shall be the duty of the General Assembly to promote public schools and public libraries, and to adopt all means which it deems necessary and proper to secure to the people the advantages and opportunities of education and public library services", and

WHEREAS: In recognition of the importance of libraries in our society, the State of Rhode Island passed legislation setting the level of state aid for library services at a minimum of twenty-five (25%) of the amount spent from local tax funds and the library's private endowment, and

WHEREAS: Between FY 2009 and FY 2022 the State of Rhode Island did not fund state aid to libraries at the twenty-five (25%) level as required by RI General Laws 29-6-2, and

WHEREAS: In FY 2023 and FY 2024, state aid to libraries was funded at the twenty-five (25%) level, and

WHEREAS: The Governor's proposed FY 2025 budget funds state aid to libraries at 24.18%, which is $5,942 less than the Town of Middletown would receive at the required 25% level, and

WHEREAS: The Town of Middletown recognizes the importance of fully funding our public libraries and supports funding state aid to libraries at the 25% level in FY 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED: That the Middletown Town Council does hereby support the introduced legislation (2024-H 7335) which would restore funding for State Aid to Libraries to the full 25% level required in RI General Laws Section 29-