State budget uses USF to fund libraries

WLA supports the proposed state budget, which provides funding for BadgerLink, public library systems, statewide resource contracts and other library-related programs from the Universal Service Fund, but some state legislators are questioning this funding source. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and UW-Madison's Badger Herald have run articles about the issue, likely prompted by a news release from Sen. Mike Ellis (R-Neenah), stating his opposition to use of USF for library purposes. The Appleton Post-Crescent ran an editorial in support of the funding, showing an understanding of how important technology is for library service. WLA estimates that any additional charge on a phone line to cover these library programs will likely equal about one cent per day.