[BHC] [Fwd: Letter to Senator Toy]

[Georgia Clark]

This is the response that I received from my State Senator Laura Toy
regarding the fee.

Georgia

-------- Original Message --------
From: <senltoy at senate.michigan.gov>
Subject: Letter to Senator Toy
To: <georgia at corpsie.com>

August 13, 2004



Dear Ms. Clark,

Thank you for contacting my office recently regarding new fees
implemented last week for non-resident users of the Detroit Public
Library.  It is indeed helpful when thoughtful citizens contact their
elected representatives, especially when they have policy concerns. 

Although there has been substantial state support for the Detroit Public
Library and its special collections over the years, it is not a state
institution and there is no direct oversight of this new fee structure
by the Michigan Legislature.  Instead the library is an independent,
municipal corporation governed by a six-member Detroit Library
Commission, whose members are appointed by the Detroit Board of
Education.  I have contacted the Attorney General’s office, and
consulted with staff in the non-partisan Senate Fiscal Agency, as well
as caucus staff.  Based on the information they have provided my office,
it is my understanding that these fees may be legally imposed by the
Detroit Library Commission.  

I recognize the valuable role that libraries play in our state, however
in these difficult budgetary times, as the Governor has said, “it's
between what is important and what's vital."  Therefore, it is uncertain
at this time what recommendation will be made with respect to the
$500,000 line item for the Detroit Library in the version of the budget
as passed by the Michigan House of Representatives.  This budget is
currently in a Conference Committee which contains members from both
chambers of the Legislature (House and Senate), who will attempt to
resolve the differences between the two versions.  As you may know, in
the version of the budget recently passed by the Senate, the additional
funding that the Detroit Public Library had been receiving above and
beyond its standard funding was removed and redistributed among all
libraries in the state.

Furthermore, it is my understanding that these new non-resident fees
will continue, whether or not this $500,000 is restored to the Detroit
Public Library in the state appropriations process.  I would also point
out that my colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee which
removed this funding did so, at least in part, based on the results of
an audit of the Detroit Public Library which revealed gross negligence
in monitoring the use of library funds.  

Once again, I appreciate you taking the time to contact my office. 
Please help me make Michigan a better place to live by continuing to
share your thoughts and concerns with me.  I look forward to hearing
from you again, or seeing you in the district soon.

All the Best,

Laura M. Toy
State Senator
6th District

LMT:glw