Pages

Friday, June 16, 2017

Senate Bill S2171 - The Library Construction Bond Act


All supporters of Leonia should email Senator Loretta Weinberg at senweinberg@njleg.org, attn: Shane Mitchell or call 201-928-0100, to ask that she support Senate Bill S2171 - The Library Construction Bond Act.

This can potentially save taxpayers money while supporting the ideals of a free society that our founding fathers envisioned. Contribute your voice to empower your elected officials to support it.The NJ Library Construction Bond Act is under review by members of the NJ Legislature (Assembly and Senate). The Leonia Public library and thus Leonia residents and taxpayers will benefit from it, along with many libraries in the state, who are in need of large repairs, upgrades and other capital projects as they try to offer the best and latest services to their communities. The bill will be discussed in the State Senate Committee on Monday, June 19 and has to be passed by the Legislature BEFORE JUNE 30th. 

NJLA (The New Jersey Library Association) has an informative website about the legislation. Please visit http://njlibrariesbuildcommunities.org/.

Currently, both our Assembly representatives - Gordon M. Johnson and Valerie Vainieri Huttle - support the bill (A222). Library Director Matt Latham met with them about this and other library related bills last month in their Englewood office. Ask our state senator, Loretta Weinberg, to sign on to support the Senate version of it (S2171) as well. 

The bill will allow NJ voters to vote, for or against, a statewide construction bond authorizing $125 million of general obligation bonds to finance library capital and construction projects. These projects will require a 1:1 match from the local municipality.
As you are likely aware, the Leonia Public Library has had problems with its roof and leaks for years. Along with its HVAC system, some room renovations, and several other big projects this bond will be a huge help for the library, as well as other NJ Libraries, because it will allow it to correct these problems.