HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2001-06 RESOLUTION No. R2001-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,TEXAS,
SUPPORTING DIRECT STATE AID TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
WHEREAS, Texas public libraries play a significant critical role in community literacy
and education, and they are essential for an informed democracy;and
WHEREAS,Texas public libraries are the sole free source of reading and
informational materials for preschool children,home school children,and out of school
adults; and
WHEREAS,the public libraries offer education choices for all ages and resources for
businesses and other economically-related activities; and
WHEREAS,the public libraries provide access to information on the Internet,helping
to narrow the digital divide; and
WHEREAS,public libraries contribute to local economic development and are a prime
factor in attracting new businesses and residents; and
WHEREAS,it is in the best interest of all citizens throughout the State to have strong
public library service available; and
WHEREAS, more than 90 percent of funding for public libraries is from local support
provided by Texas municipalities and counties; and
WHEREAS,increasing costs of cutting edge technology and library materials have
created a crisis in funding for Texas public libraries; and
WHEREAS,more than one million Texans have no library service; and
WHEREAS,Texas is one of only six states that does not appropriate direct aid to
public libraries; and
WHEREAS,public libraries in Texas rank 46th in the United States in expenditures
per capita; and
WHEREAS,the Texas State Library and Archives Corrunission has recommended
funding for direct aid to public libraries as its first priority among exceptional items in its
2001-2003 appropriations request;therefore k:P it
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FRIENDSWOOD,TEXAS, that the City of Friendswood,Texas, advocate to the 77th
Texas Legislature to provide increased funding to Texas public libraries as recommended in
the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's appropriations request.
PASSED,APPROVED AND RESOLVED,this the 5`�day of March,2001.
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Harold L. Whitaker
Mayor
ATTEST:
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De oris McKenzie, TR C
City Secretary