Provides for unclaimed and abandoned lottery prize money to be transferred to the state comptroller for deposit into the "Love Your Library Fund"

1 Co-sponsor

• George D. Maziarz

BILL NUMBER:S3373

Title of bill

An act to amend the tax law, in relation to permitting the transfer of unclaimed and abandoned lottery prize money to the "Love Your Library Fund" to aid summer reading programs

Purpose or general idea of bill

This legislation would permit the transfer of unclaimed and abandoned lottery prize monies to the "Love Your Library Fund"

Summary of specific provisions

This legislation would amend the Tax Law to permit the transfer of unclaimed and abandoned lottery prize monies to the state comptroller for deposit into the "Love Your Library Fund," the proceeds of which are distributed to the library systems in support of the statewide summer reading program.

Justification

Studies have shown that children enrolled in summer reading programs and preschool story hours develop literacy skills that enhance their academic progress and reduce the need for remedial efforts upon returning to school from summer hiatus.

Summer reading programs and preschool story hours are also the chief source of reading opportunities for children from low-income families and can help address gaps in academic achievement between children of low-income and high-income families.

This legislation would allow additional monies to be deposited into the "Love Your Library Fund" to support the implementation of the statewide summer reading program at public library systems and libraries throughout New York.

In 2004, the Legislature passed legislation which created the ·'Love Your Library Fund", into which monies could be deposited to provide grants for summer reading programs at public libraries. In 2005, the Legislature succeeded in creating a "Love your Library" license plate, the proceeds from the fees for which will go into the Fund. However, the goal of child literacy can always benefit from more funding, particularly since research shows that summer reading is a key part of school success and growth in one's IQ.

Children who read more, write better, comprehend more and develop good study skills that translate into improved academic achievement. The facts speak plainly, and New York State needs to do more to support literacy programs at libraries that can deliver these proven educational services.

Prior legislative history

2009-10: S.4730 - Died in Investigations & Government Operations 2008: S.1958 - Referred to Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committee

Fiscal implications

None Noted.

Effective date

This act should take effect immediately.