Senate Close to Meeting Legislative Ask
May 10, 2023
Celeste Bruno
Communications Director
1-800-952-7403 x208
Celeste.Bruno@mass.gov
The newly released Senate Ways and Means budget meets the requested amounts in the FY2024 Legislative Agenda for all budget lines except Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB). Senate Ways and Means proposed funding totals over $46 million in state funding to support libraries. “Library funding benefits all residents across the Commonwealth,” said MBLC Director James Lonergan. “We are pleased that the Senate recognizes the impact libraries have in our communities.”
The full Senate Ways and Means, House, and Governor’s budgets are available on the MBLC website.
The Massachusetts Center for the Book, budget line7000-9508, was funded at $400,000, $40,000 below the legislative request. The MBLC will work with MCB on an amendment for funding at the requested amount. Once the full Senate debates the proposed budget and amendments, the Conference Committee will reconcile the differences between the House and Senate budgets.
For library funding, budget lines that will be in Conference Committee are:
State Aid to Public Libraries, line 7000-9501, Senate funded at $17,600,000 (the legislative ask); House funded at $16,825,000.
State Aid to Regional Libraries, line 7000-9401, Senate funded at $15,967,600 (the legislative ask); House funded at $15,441,800.
After the conference committee finishes their version of the budget, it will be voted on again by both chambers and sent to Governor Healey to either veto items, or sign into effect. FY2024 starts on July 1, 2024.
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.