Governor Baker Releases Revised Budget
October 20, 2020
Matthew Perry
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
On October 15, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker released his revised budget proposal for FY2021. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial budget originally released in January has not yet been voted on, and the state has been operating on a short term budget that was passed in August and ends on October 31, 2020.
Technology and Resource Sharing (7000-9506) received a decrease of $257,746 in comparison with FY2020 to a total of $4,001,254. The additional funds provided in FY2020 allowed the MBLC to increase support for libraries eBook collections, and to increase the number of databases available statewide.
State Aid to Public Libraries (7000-9501) is the focus of the FY2021 MBLC Legislative Agenda. The $10,000,092 proposed for this line is a one percent increase over FY2020. State Aid to Public Libraries is an annual, voluntary program administered by the MBLC that distributes local aid to municipalities. The funds received through State Aid can be used for any purpose that supports the library.
State Aid to Regional Libraries (7000-9401), level funded for FY2021, funds two organizations, the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) and the Library for the Commonwealth (LFC) at Boston Public Library. Sustainable funding for this line helps to maintain delivery service levels for residents of the Commonwealth.
The Massachusetts Center for the Book was level funded again at $200,000. The Center operates as an affiliate of the Library of Congress (LOC), and represents the Commonwealth in several high-profile national initiatives, providing links for Massachusetts libraries to the programs and resources of LOC. It has received the same level of funding since FY2016.
The Worcester Talking Book Library (7000-9402), and the Perkins Library (7000-9406) both received level funding.
The budget also includes a $257,746 increase for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners administrative line (7000-9101).
Governor Baker is expected to file another interim FY2021 budget before the October 31 deadline. The legislature will now take up the budget and is expected to approve it by the end of November.
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.