MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Winning
Communications and Public Affairs Manager
303-275-2203
rebecca.winning@jeffcolibrary.org
Jefferson County Public Library Board Opposes Ballot Issues
(LAKEWOOD, Colo.-Sept. 21, 2010) Jefferson County Public Library's (JCPL) Board of Trustees recently adopted a resolution to oppose three November ballot measures, including Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 and 61.
"These ballot measures are incredibly destructive to state and local government," said Library Board Chair T.J. Carney. "If passed, they would significantly damage our ability to fund basic library services, at a time when demand for these services is greater than ever.
"It's well documented that in tough economic times, demand for library services goes up," Carney continued. "Increasingly, Jefferson County residents are using our libraries to access computers and the Internet, search and apply for jobs, research County services and find resources for information, education and entertainment. To further reduce access to those services would be a shame."
Proposition 101 would reduce fees and taxes throughout an extended time period. Amendment 60 would repeal voter-approved revenues over TABOR limits and require school districts to cut their mill levies in half by 2020. Amendment 61 would prohibit the state from borrowing and incurring debt and limit local governments' ability to borrow, except when approved by voters.
Based on a recent analysis of the impacts of these ballot measures to JCPL, Carney noted that passage of the ballot measures would result in approximately $1.4 million in lost revenue for JCPL over the next four years, and severely restrict the ability of JCPL to finance construction and other capital projects.
"The Library is already facing significant budget challenges in 2011 and 2012, due to the ongoing effects of the recent recession and its effect on traditional sources of revenue," Carney continued. "It would be very difficult for the Library to absorb an additional $1.4 million reduction in revenue without crippling our ability to provide the library services our communities deserve."
"Libraries play a critical role in educating our children, supporting economic development and promoting civic and social engagement, and they are known to deliver a significant return on investment," Carney added. "We urge Colorado voters to support public libraries by opposing these ballot initiatives."
A copy of the resolution is available on JCPL's website at
http://jeffcolibrary.org/pdf/boardresolution_10_09.pdf.
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About Jefferson County Public Library
Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is the third largest public library in the state of Colorado. Our mission is to meet the changing needs of our communities by providing information and environments that promote personal growth and community transformation. A JCPL library card is the key to a network of 10 libraries, a Bookmobile, a Traveling Children's Library and eTrain, a mobile computer training lab, offering books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs, as well as computer and Internet resources. For more information contact your local library or visit
www.jeffcolibrary.org.
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