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Call to Action: Save Ohio If House Bill 318 does not pass before the Senate recess, Ohio faces a major financial crisis - for libraries and more! Contact State Senators YOUNGSTOWN (December 11, 2009/FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) -- The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (PLYMC) has been made aware of a possible major crisis for the State of Ohio and public libraries. “If the State Senate does not pass the bi-partisan House Bill 318 before the Senate recesses, further budget cuts will result which will dramatically impact Ohio’s ability to recover from this struggling economy,” said Library Director Carlton A. Sears. “No action by the State Senate is absolutely unacceptable. House Bill 318 will provide enough money for the state to balance the budget next year,” added Sears. According to the Ohio Library Council (OLC), this is not just an effort to Save Ohio Libraries – it’s an effort to Save Ohio: “There is an important proposal before the Ohio Senate that requires immediate action. This proposal would postpone the final cut in the state income tax. Although this proposal means that Ohioans will not pay any more state income taxes than they did in 2009, it will provide enough money to the state to balance the budget next year. “Cuts in Ohio 's budget have already been severe. Public libraries are only one example but, as you know, most libraries have had to cut hours, lay off staff, close branches, reduce materials, and a variety of other measures that have limited your access to important library services. This is also true of local governments that have experienced cuts for police and fire and other essential services. No one has gone unaffected by the state's budget cuts. “Without Senate support of HB 318, more cuts to libraries and other important services are on the way. This bill must pass before the Ohio Senate is scheduled to adjourn.” The following agencies would be severely impacted if HB 318 fails to pass: • Public libraries • Local governments • K-12 schools • Higher education • Children’s Services • Social service agencies Sears notes that all Ohioans need to “band together now” and he is urging all Library patrons and Mahoning County residents to contact their Ohio Senators immediately. The Library’s website, www.libraryvisit.org, has a page with information and an easy form which people can use to contact their State Senators. Did you know? Over two-thirds of PLYMC’s funding is generated from state dollars? The remaining comes principally from the property tax dollars that were just approved by over 71% of Mahoning County voters. The recent 30% reduction in state library funding resulted in the loss of millions of dollars to Mahoning county libraries.  To survive and provide service to our patrons, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has been forced to reduce hours, staff and Library materials. Thank you for your continued support. Click Here to View All Ohio Senators

Your Voice Must Be Heard. Your Comments Are Critical.

State Senator Joe Schiavoni has been supportive - thank him for his support. Please let other State Senators know how critical HB 318 is to libraries and to other essential community agencies.

The form below makes it simple! Write your message, complete the form, and click on the legislators you’d like to contact. Your comments will be sent with just one click. And thank you, again, for your continued support. Email area state legislators using our form below.

Check All Boxes State Senator Joseph Schiavoni (33rd District) State Senator Bill Harris (19th District) State Senator Jon Husted (6th District)

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