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Report by Allen Johnson, Legislative Committee Chair

Energetic, motivated, focused library supporters turned out in large numbers for Legislative Day at the Capitol on February 4. Thankfully the weather was pleasant, literally a brief interlude sandwiched between the bookends of severe snowstorms earlier and later that week. Library exhibits filled both ends of the upper rotunda hallways, supporters met with their delegates and senators, and the day culminated with a packed house reception at the Culture Center. 41 delegates, 7 senators, 40 complimentary ticket holders, and 227 library supporters attended the reception. The food was delicious, John Lilly’s background music pleasant, and the library politickin’ engaging.

Last fall the WVLA adopted three legislative goals: (1) Implementation of a construction/line item of $1.5 million in the WVLC budget; (2) Increase in GIA from the current $4.61 to $5.16 per capita; (3) Requirement for school libraries and librarians in every school. Subsequently, in a belt-tightening move to deal with the economic recession, Governor Manchin requested agencies to reduce their budgets 5%. GIA is slated for a 7% cut, a reduction to $4.29 per capita. Such a move would further impair many of the state’s public libraries who already are operating on a barebones budget. During a recession, more folks than ever depend upon libraries for their sole source for services such as books, information, and Internet access. Therefore, the WVLA membership strongly advocates that GIA not be cut.

Several other bills were introduced. One would have abolished the requirement for matching local funds to receive GIA. This bill was pulled. HB 2730 that would require school libraries did not make it through committees. Neither did HB 4583 that would specifically list libraries in the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax code. HB 4455 that would change Martinsburg Public Library to Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Library is still unresolved as of this writing. HB 4463 was introduced as a way to generate guaranteed local revenue for libraries on a par with those libraries with special laws. While holding promise, this bill did not get out of house finance committee.

The key to successful government support is for each of us and our supporters to contact our legislators, county commissioners, and city officials clearly, consistently, and convincingly.