Residents urge state lawmakers to protect library and school funding in public comments

Several residents used the meeting's public comment period to urge the Loveland City Council to press state lawmakers to maintain or restore state funding for libraries and schools.

Kaya Bargain, who identified herself as speaking on behalf of libraries, said the Ohio House budget proposal would eliminate the Public Library Fund and replace it with a per-capita flatline item. "This proposed change puts the future of our programs, materials, and even our building operations at risk," Bargain said, and urged audience members and council to email the Ohio House Speaker and finance committee chair before the budget vote.

David Miller, who identified his address as 251 Wall Street in Loveland, urged council to support full implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan. Miller said the Loveland City School District could lose about $2.5 million over five years if the state does not continue the phase-in. "If the plan isn't fully funded, the level of city school district may lose 2,500,000 over the next 5 years," Miller said.

Becca Moats, a Sims Township resident and pediatric nurse practitioner with four children in Loveland schools, told council the district performs well academically but remains vulnerable to shifts in state funding. Moats said local programs such as gifted services and school supports contributed to improved student outcomes and asked council to pass a resolution urging the state to keep its funding commitments.

Speakers left materials and contact information with the clerk of council and asked local officials to send letters to state lawmakers and the governor asking that the Public Library Fund and the Fair School Funding Plan be preserved and fully implemented.