Rendell on Libraries

This morning Gov. Ed Rendell held a press conference to discuss the effect of the Senate Republican's proposed budget on Pennsylvania's libraries. PCN replayed the press conference this evening. I missed the first few minutes but here are my rough notes for the rest of it. A doctor (Besselman?) who volunteers in the library spoke after the governor and before the governor took questions, but, no offense to the good doctor, my attention was distracted and I missed it.

As always, I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions.

Rich Bowra, Dauphin County Library introduced the governor and discussed library services

State money pays for staffing, electronic resources, bread and butter items, Power library, resource delivery, and others

EGR: Library funding levels, cut would take up back 11 years. The best thing we’ve done in the Commonwealth over the last 6 years is for our young people. Many of our young people have learned to use computers in the library. In 6 years, 30% more proficient in reading and math. Education Weekly named us 10th best education system in the country. The budget is all about message. Many Republicans say we can just cut spending and not raise taxes. People don’t understand what the cuts would do. 57% to 37% in Quinny poll asked if they would pay more to keep education levels where they are. What I’ve proposed is not just raising taxes but 2.4 billion in cuts, including a cut to the libraries by 10%, but a 53% cut would decimate libraries. If we cut 53% 1000 employees lose their jobs [list of other effects of cuts]. We need to make our legislators understand that libraries are important. Libraries are a sanctuary where kids can get away from the rough tough aspects of life. They bring cheer and a sense of peace and calmness and peace. Maybe not life and death but life changing experiences. In many places they are the only community center the community has. Maybe we can pay sales tax on candy and gum because they aren’t really food anyway. Maybe pay sales tax on basic cable. Do we want to be a society that says I got mine, my kids are out of school. To be economically viable you have to have an educated workforce. We can’t sacrifice education; we have to be better than that.

Q: sales tax?

EGR: no, just hypothetical examples. If legislature covers education and solves this year and next year’s budget problems he will support.

Q: mtg with caucus committee

EGR: trying to urge them to get conference committee back and running as soon as possible. Rep. Evans had unexpected tragic death in family, down in George. Hoping in Thurs to get back to conf committee

Q: autism, libraries

EGR: Message from other side, just cuts. Our message is a harder sell.

Q: Evans stepping aside on conf comm.?

EGR: don’t know about that

Q: only politician in H’burg?

EGR: On Satuday and Sunday, yes. Some momentum on Philadelphia problem. Politicians back.

Q: is this resonating with Senate Republicans?

EGR: only if people communicate with them. I communicate with them all the time. They don’t want to hear from me, want to hear from ordinary citizens. People aren’t happy about paying more but will if that is what it takes to keep schools, libraries, and state police out there. Ask them to explain why they think it is a good idea to cut libraries 53%. Did you see what happened in the first two meetings of conf comm? [Makes joke about Goldfinger movie where people in room are gassed.] If we can get past the partisanship we can get things done. There are smart people in that room.

Q: critical of Sen Republicans for cutting libraries but you cut state library

EGR: That is more administrative. The people don’t use that as much. It is more of a repository.

Q: PIT

EGR: It was an increase of 70 cents a day. That doesn’t impact anybody’s quality of life.