Library Director's Report - April 13, 2016 1. We have received our 2016 P.I.L.O.T from the Town of Wallkill. 2. The following information has been provided by NYLA regarding the recently adopted NYS budget for 2016: The Governor and Legislature have come to an agreement on the FY2016-17 New York State budget. Thanks to effective advocacy, NYLA is happy to report the following: State Library Aid: $95.6M ($4M increase)- This allocation represents a 4.3% increase in total library aid, which is equivalent to the increase in educational foundation aid. This is the most library aid included in any state budget since FY2008-09. State Library Construction Aid: $19M ($5M increase)- The allocation for the construction aid program was increased by $5M, or 35%, which is the first increase in nearly a decade. MTA Payroll Tax Reimbursement: $1.3M- As you know, last year we were able to secure a permanent exemption for public libraries and public library systems subject to the MTA payroll tax. This reimbursement reflects the taxes paid in the previous year. It will be the last year this reimbursement is required. This year's budget, an election year budget, produced many challenges. The cumulative effect of your advocacy efforts - your letters, phone calls, meeting with your legislators, participation in Advocacy Day - made the difference and allowed us to fare better than many groups. Thank you! 3. We have arranged for a part-time reference librarian to temporarily work full-time for the period of 90 days to fill the vacancy to compensate for the extended medical leave of our Head of Children's Services. 4. RCLS has asked member libraries to review and approve the proposed RCLS Direct Access Plan 2017 -2021. The plan is required under NYS Ed. Regulation section 90.3 and is aimed at ensuring the broadest possible access to information for all New Yorkers regardless of circumstance. A copy of the proposed plan has been sent out in advance of our meeting. I have attended the following meetings in March: NYLA Library Advocacy Day, Friends of Middletown Thrall Library, RCLS Director's Association, Middletown Business Improvement District, and Thrall Library Staff Meeting