Occasionally it does help to contact your Senator:
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From: "Senator Kirsten Gillibrand"
<[log in to unmask]>
May 18, 2009
Dear Mr. Minsky:
Thank you for taking the time and contacting me regarding increased
funding for public libraries in the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act. I share your view on this issue, and believe that we need to
invest in the modernization and expansion of our library system, which is
why I supported the allocation of $274 million to carry out the
activities of the Office of Museum and Library Services as part of the
Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
As we continue to endure this economic recession, the demand on public
libraries continues to grow. More and more people are turning to
their local libraries for assistance in finding jobs, accessing public
assistance programs and procuring educational reading materials. We
need to make sure that New Yorkers who are trying to educate themselves,
put together and submit applications, increase their employability and
sharpen their job skills have access to the resources they need to do so.
Many of New York's libraries are now over 50 years old, lacking both high
speed internet as well as handicap accessible facilities. The
conditions of these public resources are unsuitable for New Yorkers
trying to cultivate knowledge and vital job skills in these uncertain
economic times.
Libraries and other public service facilities should be held to the
highest standard. It is clear that our public library system is in
great need of additional funds and I will work hard to secure the
resources needed to bring our libraries up to speed. Thank you for
contacting me regarding this important issue. Please stay in
contact with my office regarding any future issue or legislation that my
concern you. For more information on this and other important
issues being discussed in the United States Senate, please visit my
website
http://gillibrand.senate.gov
and sign up for my e-newsletter.
Sincerely yours,
Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator