Library Funds Jump As Cities Feel Crunch; Unusual State Law Makes It Difficult for Lawmakers to Cut Spending

Summary

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Spending by public libraries in the Milwaukee area increased by 12% from 2000 through 2003, and more than half of the area's libraries raised operating expenditures by more than double the rate of inflation, a new analysis shows.

The spending increases come as municipal governments the primary source of library funding are under growing pressure to hold down costs and taxes. But an unusual state law governing the funding of libraries makes it nearly impossible for local officials to make significant cuts in library budgets.

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Extract

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Library Funds Jump As Cities Feel Crunch; Unusual State Law Makes It Difficult for Lawmakers to Cut Spending

"It is a bone of contention, especially in an environment where the Legislature is talking about things like tax levy freezes and spending limits," said Curt Witynski, assistant director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, which has sought to h...

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