Library funding promise not kept

To the editor:In 2003, when he was secretary of state, now-governor Matt Blunt wrote a widely published article entitled "Promises made should be promises kept." In part, the article said:

"When the legislature created the Out of State Athletes and Entertainers Income Tax in 1998, the law said the proceeds would be divided among five programs, including public libraries. ... By law, 10 percent is to go to public libraries for books. For three years in a row, however, libraries have not received their promised share of these funds. The funds promised to libraries were diverted to other uses."

The people of Missouri are still waiting for this funding for libraries. What happened to it? Why was it diverted, and to whom? Who or what is benefiting from this tax? Why hasn't Blunt, as governor, made an effort to restore the funds to libraries?

In 2003, Blunt wrote, "It is time that funds designated for libraries be appropriated to libraries. It is past time that Jefferson City keep its promise."

It is now four years since he wrote this, and it is now really past time.

PATRICIA L. ELMORE, Bloomfield, Mo.