PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — State library cuts face strong opposition despite The South Dakota Education Secretary’s push for efficiency in Wednesday’s House Education Committee hearing.
The committee voted 13-0 to send House Bill 1041 to Joint Appropriations with a “do not pass” recommendation. The measure would eliminate the State Library Board and reduce services, saving $1.3 million in state funds and $2.4 million in federal authority.
“The purpose of this bill is to make it consistent with the reduced spending in this area,” said Education Secretary Joe Graves. “These budget cuts are part of the overall process of providing the people of South Dakota a balanced budget.”
However, a line of opponents spoke against the proposal.
“From a city like Harrisburg that’s growing like we are, we have a $7 million budget. And $350,000 of that goes just to our library,” said Harrisburg City Council Chair Kevin Maxwell. “Passing this would make it very difficult for us to provide those resources.”
“When I was really young, I enjoyed the Commodore 64 computer to take home. But here we are today using those resources to move into college, ACT, SAT, are just so important for our kids,” testified Sarah Jones-Lutter, the Redfield Carnegie Library director.
“You don’t propose cutting the state library or even South Dakota public broadcasting and instead propose new ongoing programs,” said Rep. Mike Stevens. “The Department of Education has proposed a $4 million new program ongoing.”
The bill would transfer state publication duties to the State Historical Society while maintaining some core services like Braille and talking book programs.
The measure now moves to Joint Appropriations for further consideration.