1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express serious concern over two provisions in the proposed Ohio state budget that threaten the vitality and mission of our public libraries. The first is a $25 million reduction to the Public Library Fund (PLF), decreasing state support from $504.6 million in FY25 to $479.7 million in FY26. This cut, combined with a diversion of $10.3 million annually to other state entities, directly undermines local libraries already strained by growing community needs. These institutions are being asked to do more with less—an approach that is neither sustainable nor fair. Even more alarming is the provision in HB 96 (ORC Section 3375.47) requiring libraries to segregate materials related to sexual orientation or gender identity, ensuring they are not visible to anyone under 18. This mandate is dangerously vague, legally questionable, and logistically unfeasible. Libraries already have policies allowing for parental control and age-appropriate access. Imposing broad, state-level censorship undercuts these systems and violates constitutional protections for free speech. Compliance with HB 96 would be financially and operationally devastating. Some large systems estimate implementation costs in the millions; smaller libraries may find compliance physically impossible. Worse, the state has allocated no funding to support this unfunded mandate. If enacted, this provision could transform entire library spaces into adult-only areas, depriving families of essential services and educational resources. This is not responsible governance. It is a harmful overreach that compromises intellectual freedom, burdens local institutions, and disrespects the role of libraries as inclusive, community-centered spaces. I respectfully urge you to VETO the State Budget's provision to prevent cuts to the PLF and reject the censorship mandate in HB 96. Ohio’s libraries—and the communities they serve—deserve better.