Carthage Republican: Cut all state funding for libraries

Rep. Cody Smith, R-Carthage, is calling for eliminating $4.5 million in the state budget for libraries.

His opposition to the funding came after a lawsuit filed by the Missouri Library Association, American Civil Liberties Union and the Missouri Association of School Libraries opposing a law passed by the legislature limiting materials that can be in school libraries.

Smith told Missourinet, “I don’t think that we should subsidize the efforts to overturn law that we pass and especially one that is so broadly supported, and in my opinion, thoughtfully crafted. I agree they are a valuable community resource and it’s unfortunate that we’re here now,” said Smith.

Smith said the legislature has been "supportive of libraries at large continually over the last several years. We've increased their funding quite a bit and I think they're valuable resources within the community."

Apparently, libraries, including those in Smith's district, are not so valuable that they can't be taught a lesson if they dare to disagree with the legislature.