02/15/10
For Immediate Release:
Senate bill could close Maricopa County Libraries
On Wednesday, February 17, 2010, the Arizona State Senate Committee on Finance will hold a hearing on SB1373. This bill would require the Maricopa County Library District to give 75% of the taxes collected by the District to the cities and towns in the County that operate their own public library.
This action would reduce the revenue for the operation of the Library District to the point that the result would be the inability of the District to continue to operate any libraries in cities and towns where the District currently operates branches (El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Litchfield Park, Gilbert and Queen Creek). It would also greatly reduce, or end, service in unincorporated parts of the county (Aguila, Anthem, Sun Lakes and Sun City).
It is questionable if the District Board would even be willing to continue to fund the District if it had to turn taxes levied by the county/District over to the cities and towns.
To voice your opposition to SB 1373, please attend the committee hearing at 1:30pm this Wednesday February 17 in Senate Hearing Room #3 at the State Capitol Complex, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix.
If you are unable to attend the committee hearing, make your voice heard and contact your state senators telling them to vote against SB1373. Sen. Bob Burns represents District 9, which includes Sun City. Sen. Jack Harper is the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
| Senator | Phone | Fax | |
| Bob Burns | rburns@azleg.gov | 602-926-5993 | 602-417-3225 |
| Jack Harper | jharper@azleg.gov | 602-926-4178 | 602-417-3154 |