Provides for an increase in library aid based on an increase in the cost-of-living adjustment factor

BILL NUMBER:S4480

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to providing for inflationary increases in library aid

Purpose

To allow an annual cost of living increase in the formulas in statute for state aid for libraries based on the annual rate of inflation.

Summary of provisions

The bill adds a new section 286 to the Education Law to authorize the payment of an additional apportionment to libraries, library systems and other eligible institutions providing library services in the form of a cost-of-living adjustment that would ensure that library aid payable pursuant to Sections 271,272, 273, 273-a, 284 and 285 of the Education Law increases as the cost of living increases. The bill provides for annual computation of a "cost-of-living adjustment factor" based on the percentage increase in the consumer price index (CPI) from December 1, 2005 to December 1 of the base year (i.e., December 1 preceding the calendar year for which library aid is to be paid). For this purpose, the "consumer price index" is defined as the regional consumer price for the N.Y., N.Y.-Northeastern, N.J. area, based upon the index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Justification

The Education Law provides for the same amount of State aid each year to libraries, library systems, and certain other ,eligible institutions providing library services. Because of inflation, libraries and library systems receive less in actual purchasing dollars than they did the year before. An annual cost of living increase in State aid will allow libraries and library systems to keep pace with inflation in order to maintain and extend services for their member libraries.

Legislative history

2009: A.9201 Referred to Government Operations; 2007-08: A.6255 Referred to Libraries and Education Technology and Reported to Ways & Means S.1685A Referred to Education; 2005-06: A.7258 Referred to Libraries and Education Technology S.4194A Referred to Education; 2003-04: A.8355 Referred to Libraries and Education Technology; 2001-02: A.7531 Referred to Libraries and Education Technology.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect July 1, 2011; provided, however, if this act shall become a law after such date it shall take effect immediately, and shall be deemed to be in full force and effect on and after July 1, 2011.