MACo Policy Associate Drew Jabin testified February 12, 2020 to support SB 524 (CF HB 1000) – Building Lifelong Library Learners Act. This bill boosts funding for county library capital projects, accelerates increases to the library funding formula, and encourages minors to continue to utilize their public libraries by eliminating certain fines.

From the MACo Testimony:

Maryland’s counties share funding responsibility with the State for our libraries and support additional resources for them. County governments direct well over $300 million of their operating budget general funds each year to supporting libraries.

Counties are proud to support libraries, which have become an integral facet to a county’s ability to build community. SB 524 offers welcome State support to help further their aims. Already, libraries provide a safe place for our children to spend time after school and they offer early literacy programs for young children. They also provide internet access to the public and support for job-seekers and small business owners.

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2020 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database.