Jan 10, 2014

Governor's Budget Approved with $3.3m for CA Library Project

On January 9, Governor Jerry Brown released his much anticipated January 2014-15 Budget proposal at a press conference at the State Capitol. The Governor was previously scheduled to release the Budget tomorrow, January 10th, but the Budget document was inadvertently leaked to a member of the press around 5 p.m. last night and that development prompted the Governor to accelerate the release of his 2014-15 spending plan. The Governor called the Budget “very good news” and said it represents “fiscal responsibility.” But he also noted that “wisdom and prudence is the order of the day,” referencing the need to exercise fiscal discipline as the state continues to pay down its long-standing financial debt and liabilities.

Citing improving revenues, the Governor’s Budget sets forth a blueprint of reinvestment in various areas that had previously been subject to past years’ budget cuts such as K-12 education, health care, and public safety. The Budget also eliminates $11 billion in debt and establishes a “rainy day fund.”

Most notably, the Governor has indicated his strong support of CLA’s lobbying effort to secure funding in the state Budget for a statewide, broadband infrastructure project benefitting public libraries by including $3.3 million in his proposal released today.

[ Read More at CLA Website ]

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