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Legislative Committee Update
The primary focus of the Legislative Committee during 2009 has been the State budget and its impact on libraries. Library representatives across the State used Day in the District and Legislative Day in Sacramento to educate Legislators and their staffs about how public libraries use State-funded programs such as the Public Library Fund (PLF), Transaction-based Reimbursement (TBR), and Literacy to benefit local communities. Thanks to these efforts, and those of our CLA Lobbyists Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, the budget ultimately adopted by the Legislature maintained funding for these programs at last years' levels. This was a real achievement given the deep cuts to most other State programs!
Despite the preservation of PLF and TBR, libraries across the State are feeling the effects of reduced local funding and there is an ongoing risk that the State budget will deteriorate further. With that in mind the Legislative Committee is exploring new, cost-effective ways to engage people in advocating for libraries.
One thing is clear - maintaining legislative support for libraries requires more than just the efforts of the Legislative Committee and more than just visiting Legislators on Day in the District and Legislative Day. Libraries and their supporters need to build long-term relationships with the Legislators who represent them so that they understand the important role we play in our communities and know what is at stake when our funding is reduced. Take action today by looking up your local elected officials on CLA's Capwiz Library Advocacy website!
The Legislative Committee is here to support these efforts, and we'd love your input!
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Kathy Gould, Legislative Committee Chair
Posted on August 18, 2009 9:24 AM | Permalink