ALAWON: American Library Association Washington Office Newsline
Volume 10, Number 25
March 30, 2001

In this issue:

[1] NEW LEGISLATION: SCHOOL AND LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION

[2] CORRECTION TO THURSDAY, MARCH 30th ALAWON

[1] ACTION NEEDED:
As she did last year, Representative Ellen O. Tauscher (D-CA) 
intends to introduce legislation to provide financing for repair, 
replacement and improvement of schools and public libraries.  
Library supporters interested in such assistance should call their 
House member to sign on to Rep. Tauscher's proposal, "The State 
Infrastructure Banks for Schools Act."  The ALA Washington Office 
has been working with Rep. Tauscher's staff member, Ilka Couto. 
Members wanting to be added as a bill sponsor should contact Ilka 
Couto at (202) 225-1880.  The legislation is similar to 
legislation introduced by Rep. Tauscher for the last few years.

THE LEGISLATION

The State Infrastructure Banks for Schools Act would establish 
State Infrastructure Banks (SIBs) for school and library 
construction.  The proposal is based on the SIBs for 
transportation programs established through the National Highway 
Systems Act passed during the 104th Congress.  The bill would allow 
States to establish SIBs for school construction with the approval 
of the Treasury Department and in consultation with the Department 
of Education.  States would provide a minimum 25 percent matching 
grant to the establishment of the SIBs.

The bill would authorize $500 million each year for five years 
after which sufficient funds should be revolving to maintain self-
sufficiency.  The state of California alone estimates $127 billion 
in minimum school construction needs and around $2 billion of 
library construction needs.

[2] CORRECTION TO Thursday, 3/29 ALAWON:

Apology to school librarians and library supporters in Washington 
State.  Senator Maria Cantwell is one of your Senators, our ALAWON 
incorrectly moved her to Oregon.

 

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