Service Employees International Union, SEIU 1199 members will meet with the Ohio legislators Wednesday, April 26, 2023, to voice their opposition to House Bill 1 believed to be designed to reduce one of the primary funding sources for public libraries in Ohio: property taxes.

As the state marks Ohio Library Council’s Library Legislative Day at the Ohio Statehouse, the SEIU 1199 Union members from public library systems across Ohio will be meeting with their state legislators at the Ohio Statehouse to discuss how important public library funding is, voice their opposition to House Bill 1, and to share their impact on their comminutes.

Ohio has 251 public library systems that provide a sense of community and support services to people of all ages. Libraries don’t just provide educational materials, they also provide valuable resources to assist non-English speakers, immigrants, LGBTQ+ youth, and community members with disabilities.

“Public libraries help job seekers find new employment, fuel opportunities for business development, and connect people with valuable social service resources. Public funding is essential not only in keeping Ohio’s libraries accessible and open to everyone, but ensuring they are able to continue serving the needs of their communities,” the Union said in a statement.

“SEIU library workers are opposed to HB 1 as it would reduce one of the primary funding sources for public libraries in Ohio: property taxes. Without that critical source of funding, libraries would be forced to possibly close branches and lay off workers due to lack of resources. This would hurt Ohio libraries’ ability to play an essential role in our communities and provide access to information regardless of socioeconomic status.”

Ohio is first in the nation in per capita library visits based on population and has one of the lowest costs per transaction among libraries in the United States.

Studies released in 2021 revealed that Ohio libraries returned $4.98 in benefits for every $1.00 spent by libraries. Therefore, Ohio’s libraries are among the most responsible institutions when it comes to stewarding public funds.

“I love my job and I love being a part of building my community, but I couldn’t do it without proper funding. My workplace is a safe space for everyone who enters, and it would be a shame if that space was taken away because lawmakers refused to give it the funding it deserves,” said Amy Cox, Discovery Works Associate at the Avon Lake Public Library.

“Ohio’s Library Workers provide critical resources to our communities. These workers play an essential role in taking care of Ohioans by providing educational resources, social support, and creating welcoming public spaces for all. Ohio’s lawmakers must support them in their efforts,”

said Becky Williams, President of SEIU District 1199.

Join us tomorrow, April 26th, to amplify the voices of our dedicated public library workers and tell state leaders just how important our libraries are to our communities.

Meanwhile, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine will provide remarks at the Ohio Library Council’s Library Legislative Day at the Ohio Statehouse.

The Library Legislative Day is expected to bring together more than 300 public library directors, fiscal officers, trustees and supporters to advocate for the importance of libraries. 

The event aligns with Governor DeWine’s literacy priorities outlined in his proposed budget for Fiscal Years 2024-2025. 

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