A Senate and a House version of a 2010 General Obligation Bond Issue are progressing through the Legislature. Of the two, the House version is preferable. The two must be reconciled and passed before the end of the session next Thursday, February 18th. Urge your legislators to support House Bill 226, which provides $10 million for academic, school, public and tribal libraries. Senate Bill 113 provides only $7 million. See the texts of these two bills on the Bonds for Libraries website.
Senate Bill 113 was heard by the Senate Finance Committee on February 9th, amended and given a do-pass recommendation. It will be considered by the full Senate on Thursday or Friday. House Bill 226 was heard by the House Voters and Elections Committee on February 9th, and is awaiting a hearing by the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. When that happens, library supporters should attend and wear their yellow t-shirts.
Joe Sabatini, Co-Chair, NMLA Legislation Committee