May 10, 2004
| TO: | CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts |
| FROM: | Mike Dillon, Lobbyist Christina Dillon, Lobbyist |
| RE: | NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL |
I. ASSEMBLY AND SENATE SUBCOMMITTEES PAY TRIBUTE TO DR. KEVIN STARR
For 10 years, State Librarian, Dr. Kevin Starr, has appeared before the Assembly and Senate Subcommittees on Education Finance to present the Budget for the California State Library. Last week, both subcommittees scheduled a fond farewell to Dr. Starr during his last Budget-related appearance in his role as State Librarian Emeritus.
In the Assembly, Assemblyman Joe Simitian, Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, and strong supporter of libraries, thanked Dr. Starr for his "extraordinary service as the State Librarian," and noted the "passion and conviction" with which he served. Dr. Starr was then presented with an official Assembly Resolution on behalf of the entire membership of the subcommittee. During his presentation of the State Library Budget, Dr. Starr said he was grateful to Governor Schwarzenegger for a positive January Budget for the State Library. He added, "During times of budget challenges, he protected our Budget. This year's Budget reverses the decline and points to a new future." Later that afternoon, Assemblyman Simitian issued a press release honoring Dr. Starr, which read, in part, "We have been fortunate to have someone of his caliber provide leadership on library and literacy issues at the State level. He has been much more than our State's Librarian -- he's been an eloquent advocate for library and literacy issues."
In the Senate, Dr. Starr thanked the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance for its support of his "10th and last Budget, and it's on 'consent.'" Senator Jack Scott, Chair of the Subcommittee applauded Dr. Starr's efforts, stating, "You have worked hard to increase collections -- not only in Sacramento, but throughout the state. We have been very fortunate to have you serve for 10 years. And I am very pleased to have known you." Senator Scott added, "Because of my graduate studies, and the role libraries have played for me, I share a deep love of libraries." Subcommittee member, Senator Bob Margett offered his thanks as well, stating, "You are a very noble person, a very unique person. I think the fact that you are leaving us, yet not really leaving us, is great." (Dr. Starr will be conducting research for the California Research Bureau as one of his roles as State Librarian Emeritus.)
II. PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION -- STATUS UPDATE
During the tributes to Dr. Starr, the subcommittees also took official action relative to the State Library budget, wherein the Public Library Foundation is contained. In the Senate, the subcommittee has chosen to approve the $15.8 million baseline figure for the PLF, in essence adopting the Governor's January Budget, making no additional cuts to the program. The Assembly Subcommittee chose to hold the item open until the May Revise is released, which has been the practice for several years. CLA testified in support of the program, and noted that the PLF sustained an unprecedented 72% cut under the previous Administration. We asked the committee's consideration to maintain the PLF baseline at $15.8 million, and thanked the Governor for his willingness to support the PLF and not make additional cuts to the heavily hit program.
Assemblyman Simitian asked Dr. Starr if the Governor had addressed the Transaction Based Reimbursement program in the Budget. The State Library responded that the Governor provided the program with "level funding which will be sufficient to keep the program alive." Chairman Simitian added, "I applaud the Governor recognizing the importance of the TBR." Dr. Starr teased, "I think Assemblyman Simitian is the only person who understands TBR better than the California State Library." (In reference to Assemblyman Simitian's comprehensive and impressive discussion during the subcommittee hearing last year when TBR was being threatened.) Quipped Assemblyman Simitian, "Yes, but it doesn't get me very far in social settings."
Please note: the Governor's May Revision of the State Budget will be released tomorrow, Thursday, May 13. CLA will be reporting to the field as soon as details materialize. (A representative from the Department of Finance indicated that the May Revise could be released "mid afternoon.")
III. SENATOR DICK ACKERMAN, LIBRARY SUPPORTER, IS NEW REPUBLICAN LEADER
On Monday, current Senate Republican Leader, Jim Brulte, handed over the reigns to Senator Dick Ackerman (R-Irvine) to serve as the new Minority Leader. Senator Brulte is termed out of office this year and announced to the Senate Floor that it was "important that the minority party have a smooth and easy transition." Senator Republican Floor Leader Chuck Poochigian teased that the caucus approved Senator Ackerman's nomination by a unanimous vote "after considerable debate and cajoling." Senator Ackerman then accepted the nomination, flanked by his wife and two sons, and thanked Senator Brulte for his leadership. Senator Ackerman noted his priorities in the press conference as: 1) an on-time Budget, 2) make California more business friendly, and 3) protecting local government. Expanding upon his statement regarding local government, Senator Ackerman added, "I came out of local government and the state always tried to balance the Budget on the back of local government. They don't have as strong a voice as they should. I want to help them with that. I am glad to see the Governor is currently in negotiations with local government."
Senator Ackerman is an affable, well-respected member of the legislature, and we have long enjoyed a good relationship and friendship with him and his staff. In addition, Senator Ackerman has been a key supporter of libraries (his staff once told us his daughter was married in a library in his district). You may recall that during a controversial vote during the Budget Conference Committee deliberations two years ago, Senator Ackerman was the only member of the six member committee to vote against zeroing out all of the funding for the Public Library Foundation. We look forward to working with Senator Ackerman in his new capacity.