Dear Concerned Citizen:

Thank you for your email regarding your opposition to Governor Strickland’s last minute budget proposal to cut funding for our public libraries by 50%. I always enjoy hearing from the district and I truly appreciate the time you have taken to express your concerns.

I share your views and agree with you wholeheartedly in regards to this situation. Similar to his other ideas at balancing the state budget, Governor Strickland’s proposal is completely irresponsible on every level, and has given the libraries and communities virtually no time to respond or prepare for such drastic cuts to their funding.

I will continue working to ensure our libraries are sufficiently funded, as they are vital to the education and livelihood of our communities. Public libraries are more important now than ever, especially due to their provision of computers and internet access for those seeking employment opportunities or taking online classes to further their education. If Governor Strickland was at all concerned about the people of Ohio or reviving our economy, as he so passionately claims, he would have recognized the need for the employment resources our libraries provide, and proposed protection of their funding instead of ravaging it.

Instead of singling out a few state agencies by proposing devastating cuts to their funding, I would like to propose a 5-7% funding cut for everyone across the board. If we cut across the board by the same percentage, the budget of approximately $54 billion would be reduced by the $3.2 billion which is our deficit.

I have not given up hope for change on this issue and will continue to oppose every ridiculous, last-ditch effort of the Strickland administration to pull the wool over Ohioans’ eyes while they tip the budget balances in their own favor. As a representative of the people, I will fight to present a budget to our citizens that is fiscally responsible and includes proper funding for one of the most important educational resources to adults and children alike—our public libraries.

Again, thank you for your email and please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Lynn R. Wachtmann
State Representative
75th House District