Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) recently welcomed representatives from the Southern Tier Library System to Albany. The delegation is fighting for full state funding of local libraries, a measure both Palmesano and Friend support.

The governor’s Executive Budget proposed cutting state aid to local libraries by millions of dollars.

“We’re proud to stand by our friends from the Southern Tier Library System and call not just for restoring the governor’s cuts, but for increasing state aid to our local libraries so they’re fully funded. In rural areas, libraries are hubs for continuing education, job training and the community. They provide vitally important internet access. We never discuss cutting aid to our public schools, and we shouldn’t be discussing cutting aid for local libraries. We’ll be fighting for our local libraries as budget negotiations continue,” said the legislators.

“New York state spending cuts to local libraries don’t make good sense for Southern Tier communities. All 48 of our region’s libraries drive educational, cultural and economic change. State investment empowers libraries to grow collections, programs and services that benefit all community members. For every dollar spent on libraries, we see seven more dollars go back into our local economy. Our communities deserve quality libraries for an enriched quality of life,” said Southern Tier Library System Executive Director Brian Hildreth.