Dear Concerned Citizen,
Thank you for your e-mail concerning the proposed cuts to library funding in House Bill 1. I share your concerns and appreciate your input regarding this important issue confronting Ohioans.

Let me start off by encouraging you to also contact Governor Strickland’s office directly to express your displeasure with his proposed cuts to libraries. His office can be reached by dialing (614) 466-3555 or online by completing this contact form. It is important that Governor Strickland hears directly from the people he will be impacting by these devastating cuts.

Libraries have a positive impact on our communities and these severe cuts would have a devastating impact on Hamilton County and the entire state of Ohio. As you know we are in difficult economic times, but the cut that the Governor has proposed goes far beyond “sharing the load.” I agree that the proposed cuts to library funding are greatly disproportionate. The budget is now being discussed in the six-member, legislative conference committee. While I do not sit on this committee, I will certainly continue to monitor any development on this issue. Please be assured that when I vote on House Bill 1 that I will do so with your views in mind.

Thank you again for contacting my office in response to this very important issue. If you have any further questions or comments on this or other issues important to Ohio and Hamilton County, please contact my office.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Mecklenborg
State Representative
30th House District, Parts of Hamilton County
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6111
614-466-8258