Libraries, veterans and literacy advocates urge restoration of state library funding
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Summary
During public comment the Braille Institute, library coalitions and veterans urged the subcommittee to restore California Library Services Act funding, extend ESL literacy grants and protect summer meal and outreach programs serving vulnerable residents.
After panel testimony on financial aid, the committee heard public comment on the California State Library budget and related items.
Representatives from the Braille Institute and the Blinded Veterans Association thanked the committee for restoring budget support this year and urged lawmakers to keep funding in the final budget so blind and low-vision patrons can continue to access large-print and braille materials. "Our services are available to nearly 400,000 people in Southern California," Dimitry Kales of the Braille Institute said, introducing a veteran who testified about the program's impact.
Library advocates asked the committee to restore the California Library Services Act (CLSA) line item to $5 million (reversing recent cuts), continue funding for ESL literacy programs that expire in June 2026, and preserve the library-based summer meal programs that serve low-income children. Multiple speakers cited the cost-effectiveness of resource sharing: one witness said CLSA-supported sharing can cost as little as 19 cents per item compared with much higher replacement costs.
Local library officials and volunteers described high demand for ESL classes and community-based application assistance for financial aid, and asked the subcommittee to provide stable administrative funding for financial-aid offices in community colleges.
The committee thanked public commenters and held the library items under consideration as it develops its version of the budget.