We appreciate your efforts to convince the State Legislature and Governor of the essential services that the Monessen Public Library and District Center provide to you, our public, and the libraries in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties.

Pennsylvania’s General Assembly passed the state’s budget bill for the fiscal year 2006-07 which began July 1, 2006. 

According to Glenn R. Miller ( Executive Director - Pennsylvania Library Association), "the final budget (H.B. 2499, P.N. 4513) includes an all-time record-high amount for public libraries---$75.5 million, the amount proposed by Governor Ed Rendell back in February.  Without question, this will go a long way toward expanded and higher quality library services.  This appropriation is an increase of $14.1 million over last year’s budget and represents the third largest single-year increase in the history of the public library subsidy."

This is a good time to thank our state legislators for passage of this budget and making the level of state aid the highest ever.  Although more work needs to be done to continue the progress started a few years ago, this budget will allow our libraries the opportunity to restore services previously cut.  It will also open the way to new and more focused efforts to cooperate with schools and other service agencies in regard to early childhood and family literacy and eventually a more productive workforce pool and happier constituents for our elected officials on all levels of government in PA.

Check this link on the Monessen Public Library & District Center website for more information on contacting the Governor and your legislators. Please but don’t hesitate to thank them either in person, by phone, by email or regular mail. 

Remember to thank the Governor as well for budgeting and promoting the line item. 

Click on this link for more information on how to contact your legislators.

S. Fred Natale and Board of Trustees
Monessen Public Library & District Center

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