State Taxes and Budget Cuts

Daniel M. Weintraub’s article (“Overhaul of Counties’ Role Urged,” May 5) concerning the state’s efforts to shift financial responsibility back to the counties in order to lessen its own tax burden struck a chord. One of the districts being hard hit is our county library system. Under the new budget, of 83 libraries only 31 will remain open. Fifty-two will close.

Senate Bill 566, on the floor now, can save our libraries by allowing the counties the right to raise funds just for libraries.

A society that decides it does not need a library will ultimately become a society that doesn’t. It will simply keep needing more and more and more police.

Hopefully, our Legislature will pass SB 566 and allow us to choose our own priorities.

KATHE H. HULL

Lomita