2008 Legislative Session Ends with Status Quo Funding for Libraries

The 2nd Regular Session of the 82nd General Assembly officially completed its work just after 2:30 AM on Saturday, April 26th.

While new services for Iowans through their libraries failed this year, including new test preparation software for students and increased funding for Enrich Iowa and the Library Service Areas, the General Assembly did maintain current funding for the coming fiscal year.

Final legislation maintained General Fund levels for the State Library ($1,879,827), Library Services Areas ($1,586,000), and Enrich Iowa ($1,823,432).  Infrastructure funds for the Library Services Areas was $50,000 and Enrich Iowa was $950,000.

Though disappointing, a status quo budget will allow libraries to keep providing programs such as Open Access and Access Plus, as well as much needed financial support to libraries through the Direct State Aid Program.