New Yorkers have always understood that a library is a special place that can educate and elevate people. Until now, however, we have not supported libraries in a way that adequately acknowledges their extraordinary value to our state.

Ever since the ancient Sumerians placed picture writing on clay tablets and established the first libraries more than 5,000 years ago, society has benefited from the sharing of knowledge. Today, there is vast potential for our state and nation in the virtually limitless exchange of information that is possible due to advances in computers and telecommunications, but this will be true only if we can ensure that everyone has access to this new technology.

In 1998, state funding for New York's libraries looked encouraging as libraries finally received the full funding that was promised when Chapter 917 was enacted into law in 1990 - the basic source of state financial support for library systems. The Legislature also added significant resources in the budget that included $3 million to begin an electronic doorway library (EDL) program, designed to equip libraries with new information technology, and $2.6 million in specific grants to libraries.

Clearly, we were moving in the right direction, but this progress was short lived when more than $5 million in financial aid to libraries, including the EDL program, was vetoed by the Governor in 1998. Dozens of specific grants to individual libraries in support of construction and modernization programs, book acquisition, computer enhancements, research projects and educational activities were denied funding. This year, the 1999-2000 budget did not include any funding for the EDL program.

Without these funds, we lack the ability to establish the EDL program to meet the needs of our libraries across New York. If there is a single area in which New York must excel in order to compete in the new millennium, it is in information technology.

In this regard, we have to develop creative ways to generate revenues to fund the technology that our libraries need without placing the burden on taxpayers. We have advanced legislation (A.1291) that would authorize the New York State Division of the Lottery to sell advertising on lottery tickets and as part of the broadcast of the electronic "Quick Draw" lottery game.

The proceeds from such advertising would then be utilized to establish a $15 million electronic doorway library program designed specifically to expand computer technology and information services in libraries statewide and for library capital construction.

This legislation, which was approved by the Assembly during the 1999 Legislative Session, provides the resources needed to equip libraries across the state with the latest information technology, including Internet connections, CD-ROMs, computer work stations and electronic card catalogues. This initiative would improve opportunities for learning and for teaching with new technology while providing critical access for those who cannot afford the cost of new technology at home. The legislation would also create a grant program that would provide libraries with funds to make urgently needed capital investment in facilities. These improvements will make the state more competitive and enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

The key aspect of this proposal is that it does not expand or promote the lottery, but allows the state to take advantage of a business opportunity. There are many advertisers who would pay the state to promote their products on lottery tickets or with a commercial broadcast over the electronic game system. Other state lotteries have successfully utilized advertising to generate additional state revenue.

In the past, we have talked about the key to the future but in today's computer age, it is essential that today's young people acquire the technological skills to compete in the workforce and the global economy. We must therefore ensure that all New Yorkers have access to such technology. Otherwise the information superhighway will be simply a toll road available only to those who can afford to use it.

Unfortunately, the Senate failed to approve this legislation during the 1999 Session, and we are reintroducing it in the 2000 Legislative Session. Time is truly of the essence. We urge those who support libraries to contact their local State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno to express their support for Senate Bill 5036-A sponsored by Senator Vincent Leibell (R-Brewster.)

Michael J. Bragman

(D - Cicero)

Majority Leader of NY State Assembly

and

Naomi Matusow (D-North Castle)

Chair of Assembly Committee on

Libraries and Education Technology