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Advocacy Legislation

April 23, 2008

Senate Education Committee Passes Library Bond Measure

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist and Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

Several weeks ago the Senate Education Committee took testimony on SB 1516 by Senator Joe Simitian. The measure, which is sponsored by CLA, seeks to place a $4 billion library construction and renovation bond measure on the November 2010 ballot. Offering support of the measure in committee was CLA, highlighted by the testimony of CLA's Legislative Chair, Melinda Cervantes (Santa Clara County Library Director). Also joining in support of the bill was the California Special Districts Association, the California Federation of Teachers, the California School Library Association, and various cities and counties, including Burbank, Sonoma, Merced, and San Jose.

Chairman, Senator Jack Scott, indicated that he was "saddened" that the 2006 bond on the June ballot did not pass, and noted that he hoped there would be a more positive future outlook for library bonds. He acknowledged that SB 1516 would have to be sent to the Senate Education Committee "suspense file" due to its significant cost. You may recall that the fiscal committees in each house - the Assembly Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, for many years, have implemented a so-called "suspense file." Bills costing more than $150,000 are traditionally sent to the "suspense file," which allows the leadership and the committee Chair and Vice Chair to prioritize which bills should go forward given the state's finances. In recent years, the Senate Education Committee, and the Revenue and Taxation Committees have also implemented their own version of the "suspense file."

Last Thursday, the Senate Education Committee took up all of the items on their "suspense file" and voted, on a strong bi-partisan vote of 8 "ayes" to 1 "no" to pass the bill out of committee. Voting in support of the measure were Democrat Senators: Jack Scott, Elaine Alquist, Alex Padilla, Gloria Romero, Joe Simitian, and Tom Torlakson. Republican Senators voting in support were: Jeff Denham and Abel Maldonado. Voting against the bond was Vice Chair, Senator Mark Wyland. Thanks to all of you who wrote letters to the committee, as well as visited with these legislators on CLA Legislative Day!

SB 1516 is now scheduled to be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, April 28. Due to the substantial costs involved with any bond measure, it is assumed that SB 1516 will be sent to the Senate Appropriations "suspense file." The measure would then sit on the "suspense file" until late May, when leadership and the committee Chair and Vice Chair prioritize these measures and send them to the Senate Floor for a vote, or hold them in committee. Please take a moment to write the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee (you will have until mid-May to send your letters), and encourage their support of SB 1516-Simitian.

Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee

Senator Tom Torlakson, Chair
Senator Dave Cox, Vice Chair
Senator Sam Aanestad
Senator Roy Ashburn
Senator Gil Cedillo
Senator Ellen Corbett
Senator Bob Dutton
Senator Dean Florez
Senator Sheila Kuehl
Senator Jenny Oropeza
Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas
Senator George Runner
Senator Joe Simitian (author)
Senator Darrell Steinberg
Senator Mark Wyland
Senator Leland Yee

Sample address:

The Honorable Tom Torlakson
Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

Posted by claadmin at 12:52 PM

April 4, 2008

Library Legislative Day Pre-Registration Ends in One Week

If you have not yet registered for Library Legislative Day in Sacramento on April 16, we encourage you to register in advance. Pre-registration ends one week from today on April 11. As always, we will offer on-site registration at the Sacramento Convention Center for an additional $5. When you register in advance, however, the real savings is time! If you register by next Friday, your pre-printed badge will be waiting for you…no lines, no waiting!

The quickest way to register is online at www.regonline.com/LibraryLegislativeDay. This is your only option if paying by American Express or Discover Card. If paying by check, please use the form on our website at http://cla-net.org/included/docs/LegDay_Registration.pdf.

After you have registered, you also need to sign up for meetings with your legislators at http://www.legiday.net. To log in, please use "member" as both your account name and password.

Posted by claadmin at 8:02 AM

March 20, 2008

Library Legislative Day 2008 Update

Library Legislative Day
April 16, 2008 in Sacramento

Library Legislative Day in Sacramento will be held on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 and our network of Legislative Contacts is busy making appointments with legislators to discuss topics of interest to the library community. The 2008 CLA Legislative priorities are:

Rejecting the Governor's 10 percent across-the-board cut to the Public Library Foundation (PLF) in the 2008-09 budget. Note: This fund was already cut $7 million in the 2007-08 Budget. With the Governor's cuts, the program would only receive approximately $13 million out of the $100 million required by statute to fully fund the program.
Rejecting the Governor's 10 percent across-the-board cut to the Transaction Based Reimbursement (TBR) in the 2008-09 Budget. Note: This fund was already cut $7 million or 33% in the 2007-08 Budget. With the Governor's cuts, the program is funded at $10.1 million. Full funding would be approximately $25 million.
Actively monitoring and supporting SB1516, the California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2010. SB-1516 (Simitian) is a proposed statewide bond bill that would provide $5.6 billion in state monies to fund public library construction and renovation projects.
Supporting the Governor's proposed 2008-09 Budget for State Library operations.
Advocating for funding of public library capital projects including support for possible legislation to lower the threshold for future library bond measures to 55% as was done for school bonds.

Sponsored by the California Library Association (CLA), the California School Library Association (CSLA), and the California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners (CALTAC), Library Legislative Day is an opportunity for library staff and supporters to meet with your state Legislators and/or their staffs in their Capitol offices.

We will brief Legislators on issues affecting public and school libraries, tell them how libraries are making a difference in the lives of their constituents, and learn more about the current situation in Sacramento.

Registration for Library Legislative Day is a 2-step process.

1. Register with CLA at www.cla-net.org.
A small registration fee will help offset the costs of this event. An important briefing will being promptly at 8:30 AM - please make travel arrangements to ensure you are there on time. You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodations if required.

2. Go to http://www.legiday.net/.
This website will provide appointment dates and times and allow you to add your name to the appointment list for specific legislators.
At the www.legiday.net login screen, enter:
Account name: member
Password: member

After you hit enter you will be taken to a new screen. Click on "legiday" to enter the database. This will take you to the Home Page for the Legislative Day 2008.

Click on "Legislators". This will take you to a listing of all legislators in the database. Legislators are listed in district order by default. By clicking the headers of the columns you can sort the list by individual field. Also note there are other navigation tools in the header of list of legislators, e.g. alphabetical shortcuts and links to individual legislative houses.

The website will be updated as appointments are made. If no appointment has yet been made with your legislator(s), keep checking! The Legislative Contacts are setting up appointments as quickly as possible, but it can be a slow process.

Registration details:
NOTE: If you are a member of CLA, CSLA, or CALTAC, the database should automatically retrieve the contact information on record for you. If the database brings up a list of names and you are not on that list, you may register your name and email address by following the instructions at the top of the screen.

IMPORTANT #1: Always click on-screen buttons to post information. Simply hitting the Return or Enter key on your keyboard may not work.

IMPORTANT #2: Always click the /Log out/ link when you are finished. If you leave the screen idle for more than 5 minutes, you will be automatically logged out. The database can accommodate only 100 simultaneous users.

IMPORTANT #3: It can take some time for the Legislative Contact to set up the appointment. If the database does not yet list an appointment date and time with your Legislator please keep checking.

IMPORTANT #4: Please sign up for appointments by Friday, April 11 to ensure your name can be included in the printed schedule of appointments that is distributed on Legislative Day.

As you plan your participation in Library Legislative Day, here are some things to keep in mind:

Fact sheets are posted online at http://www.cla-net.org/legislation/legday.php. Prior to traveling to Sacramento, you are encouraged to check the CLA website under the heading of Legislation/Advocacy to help you prepare for your meetings with legislators.

CLA has posted information on funding received by each Legislative District for Public Library Foundation (PLF), Transaction Based Reimbursements (TBR) and Literacy Programs at www.cla-net.org/legislation/legday.php.

You may wish to bring brief handout materials (such as a brochure or newsletter highlighting the services provided by your library) that can be left behind for future reference.

Trustees, Commissioners, Board members, Friends, parents, students or other supporters are invited to attend. Please ensure that the names and affiliations of all representatives of your library are registered on the appointment website so that the contact person can let the legislator know who will be attending the meeting.

In partnership with the American Library Association, CLA has acquired Capwiz, a networking tool to keep subscribers apprised of legislative changes. If you are a member of CLA, information will automatically be sent to you. If you are not a CLA member and would like to subscribe, visit http://capwiz.com/ala/ca/mlm/signup/ to sign up.

See you in Sacramento!

Diane Smikahl
Library Legislative Day Coordinator 2008

Posted by claadmin at 3:24 PM

February 20, 2008

Day in the District Report

Thank you to all who participated in CLA/CSLA Day in the District on January 25th and February 1st!

Thanks to your efforts we were able to meet with 69% of State Assembly members and 60% of State Senators or their staff members. Making the connection between the Legislators and libraries in their Districts has been particularly important in this year when library funds are in danger of reduction.

Continue reading "Day in the District Report"

Posted by claadmin at 8:09 AM

January 10, 2008

Governor Proposes Cuts to PLF and TBR

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist and Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

I. GOVERNOR RELEASES 2008-09 STATE BUDGET - CUTS PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS BY 10 PERCENT

CLA's Letter Writing Campaign May Have Prevented Deeper Cuts to PLF and TBR

Facing a daunting $14.5 billion deficit, at 11 a.m. today Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released his much-anticipated 2008-09 California State Budget. The Governor began his press conference this morning by stating that he would be proposing a ten percent across-the-board cut to "almost every program," which he called, "very difficult to do. I can see every single person hurt by these cuts." In fact, the Governor notes in his Budget primer, that the ten percent reduction is in effect for "all General Fund departments and programs, Boards, Commissions, and elected offices-including the legislative and judicial branches..." He adds, "While these reductions present numerous challenges to implement, this across-the-board reduction approach is designed to protect essential services by spreading reductions as evenly as possible so that no single program is singled out for severe reductions." Having said that, it is apparent from the list of cuts released today that several areas of the Budget will bear a larger brunt of the reductions, such as health and welfare, education, and parks and recreation. For example, the Governor proposes cuts to the Department of Parks and Recreation that will result in the closing of "48 state parks out of 278 existing parks," cutting Medi-Cal payments to counties by $75.8 million, and a controversial suspension of Proposition 98, with cuts to K-12 education, amounting to $4.4 billion.

Continue reading "Governor Proposes Cuts to PLF and TBR"

Posted by claadmin at 1:29 PM

December 4, 2007

SENATE HEARING ON CALIFORNIA'S FISCAL OUTLOOK

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From The Capitol

Last week, the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee held an informational presentation by Elizabeth Hill, the Legislative Analyst, regarding her recent "Fiscal Outlook" report, with Budget projections from 2007-08 through 2012-13. The purpose of the hearing was to have the Legislative Analyst present her findings to the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee for consideration as the Budget process moves forward.

Continue reading "SENATE HEARING ON CALIFORNIA'S FISCAL OUTLOOK"

Posted by claadmin at 11:02 AM

October 17, 2007

News From the Capitol

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From The Capitol

CAMPAIGN TO RESTORE THE CUTS TO PLF AND TBR BEGIN

In light of Governor Schwarzenegger's recent action in the 2007-08 Budget to slash funding for the Public Library Foundation (PLF) and Transaction Based Reimbursement (TBR) programs, the California Library Association will be launching a campaign to protest the $14 million in combined cuts. CLA will be requesting that the funding be restored in the Governor's January Budget.

For the last few weeks, we have been working with Assemblyman Mike Eng's office to coordinate a response to the Governor's library cuts. Assemblyman Eng is a former library trustee, a co-author of Senator Simitian's library bond measure, and a library supporter. In conjunction with Mr. Eng's staff, we have prepared a letter that Assemblyman Eng will be circulating among his colleagues, in the hopes of adding their signatures to the letter. This letter will then be delivered to the Governor, and among other things states:

"As Governor, you have been a strong leader in efforts to promote quality after-school programs that assist our K-12 student population. As such, we know that you would also recognize the role that public libraries play as a committed partner and extension of the K-12 learning environment.

On behalf of my legislative colleagues who have a strong appreciation for the critical importance of public libraries, I would respectfully request that you consider the restoration of the $14 million to the Public Library Foundation and the Transaction Based Reimbursement program when you craft your January 2008 Budget."

Since Assemblyman Eng's office will now be sending the letter around to a vast array of legislative offices in the Capitol, please take a moment today to either:

1) Write the Governor directly, and express your disappointment/concern/frustration, etc. with the dramatic cuts to the PLF and TBR programs. Please explain how your library will be specifically impacted by the cuts. It is critical that you identify certain programs or services that will suffer or be eliminated entirely as a result of the two reductions. (e.g. you will not be able to purchase books and magazines for a year, the after-school "Homework Help Program" will cease functioning, literacy programs will be cut back, etc.) After you send your letter to the Governor, send a copy of that letter to your legislator, and ask him or her to sign on to the Assemblyman Eng letter.
2) If you are unable to do a letter to the Governor, merely call your legislator and ask him or her to sign on to the Assemblyman Eng letter.

GOVERNOR VETOES AB 1030-CABALLERO: LITERACY PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

Late last week, the Governor vetoed AB 1030 by Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, which would have expanded the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services Program to services targeted to young adults, 16 years of age and over, who are not enrolled in school. The program would allow these youths to receive adult basic literacy tutoring and related services. Recent research by the State Library indicates that only 618 youths, ages 16-19 were served by this program in 2005-06. The author intended for the measure to heighten awareness regarding the need to serve this critically underserved population.

The Governor, in his veto message states:

"I am returning Assembly Bill 1030 without my signature.

While I support the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services Program, the changes proposed in this bill are unnecessary. Current law already authorizes the provision of English literacy service to adults and youth who are not enrolled in school. This bill would simply authorize the provision of such services to a specific subgroup of the same youth population.

In addition, I do not support repealing the requirement that, as a condition of funding, a local jurisdiction maintain the prior year's level of private support. Eliminating the requirement for this private support will result in either a decrease in services and/or create cost pressure on the General fund to backfill any loss of such funds.

For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill."

You may recall from our July report on this measure that the Senate Education Committee consultant had recommended that the private local support "maintenance of effort" language be stricken from the bill, arguing, "Regardless of the effort exerted, a local jurisdiction may not be in a position to compel private donations, contributions, or grants. Is it reasonable to hold a local jurisdiction responsible for maintaining the provision of private funds over which it has no control?" The Senate Education Committee members, as well as the author and CLA, agreed with the consultant's recommendation. Unfortunately, the Governor had a difference of opinion regarding this language.

Posted by claadmin at 3:00 PM

August 24, 2007

Governor slashes PLF and TBR

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From the Capitol

GOVERNOR SIGNS BUDGET: MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT FOR LIBRARIES AS GOVERNOR SLASHES PLF AND TBR

Shortly after noon today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, flanked by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman, signed the 2007-08 State Budget in the rotunda of the State Capitol. You will recall that the Budget bill was 52 days late, and relations between the two houses and the Governor were significantly strained during the contentious negotiations. At the bill signing, the Governor noted that the "Budget has a zero deficit. That is an extraordinary accomplishment." Unfortunately, the attempt to obtain a "zero deficit" meant that an additional $700 million was cut, by the Governor, from the Budget version that was sent down to him. Suffering significant cuts today were two major library programs: the Public Library Foundation and the Transaction Based Reimbursement Program.

Last year, the Governor, in his May Revise and subsequent Budget, approved a $7 million augmentation to the Public Library Foundation, bringing the total baseline figure to $21.3 million This year, the Budget Conference Committee approved a $1 million augmentation to the fund. However, the Governor has chosen to slash not only the $1 million augmentation for 2007-08, but in addition, he is taking away the $7 million augmentation he provided last year. In his veto message he states:

"I am deleting the discretionary $1,000,000 legislative augmentation to the Public Library Foundation. This reduction is necessary to limit program expansions and help bring ongoing General Fund expenditures in line with existing resources. In addition, I am deleting $7,000,000 in order to further build a prudent reserve in light of the various uncertainties in revenues and spending that we face this year."

The Governor's reduction today brings the new PLF baseline down to $14.3 million.

Similarly, you may recall that the Governor, in his May Revise and subsequent Budget, approved a $7 million augmentation to the Transaction Based Reimbursement program last year. Today, the Governor inexplicably cut $7 million from that program as well. His veto message states:

"I am deleting $7,000,000 for Direct Loan and Interlibrary Loan services. This reduction is necessary in order to further build a prudent reserve in light of the various uncertainties in revenues and spending that we face this year."

We do not know how this reduction will now affect the federal match component for this program, and we will be working with the State Library. The Governor's reduction brings the new TBR baseline down to $11.6 million.

We are deeply disappointed in the Governor's actions today, particularly in light of the inconsistent message, wherein he funded both of these programs last year in the approximate same amounts that he cut this year. These programs were just beginning to recover from the devastating cuts that were made to the PLF and TBR under the previous Governor, Gray Davis. One Budget staff member, who we worked with throughout the year, called immediately after seeing the major cuts and commented, "You have my anger, empathy, and sympathy."

NOTE: The CLA office is interested in obtaining examples from you of what these drastic cuts will mean to your library. Please email CLA with your comments ASAP. In addition, we would encourage you to share this story with your local newspapers and media outlets. Further, please pass this memo along to your locally elected officials, in the event they wish to prepare a media alert.

Posted by claadmin at 1:50 PM

August 21, 2007

State Budget Finally Passes

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From the Capitol

This afternoon, the Senate passed the State Budget and accompanying "trailer bills" that were previously passed by the Assembly on July 20th. Late yesterday, Senate and Assembly leaders met with the Governor in hopes of reaching an accord, and then both Houses scheduled and rescheduled Floor Sessions until 10:00 p.m. last night. This morning, an agreement was reached on a number of pending details, which paved the way for Senate Republican Minority Leader, Dick Ackerman, to provide the 27th necessary vote for passage. In casting his vote, he was joined by the 25 Democrats, and Republican Senator Abel Maldonado, who earlier committed to voting for the Budget.

As one long-time consultant commented to us this afternoon, "Rarely has passage of a Budget been postponed for so long over so few differences."

The Budget and corresponding "trailer bills" are now on their way to the Governor for action. You will recall that the Budget contains a $1 million augmentation for the Public Library Foundation (PLF), which would bring the baseline figure for the fund up to $22.3 million. However, as a condition of the Budget's passage, the Senate Republicans have asked Governor Schwarzenegger to use his so-called "blue pencil" to veto up to $700 million in additional spending in the Budget bill. We will keep you posted as to the status of the PLF once the Governor acts.

Posted by claadmin at 4:41 PM

July 10, 2007

News From the Capitol

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From the Capitol

I. BUDGET STALEMATE - LEGISLATIVE LEADERS CLAIM TO BE "FAR APART"

Several weeks ago, the powerful six member Budget Conference Committee, who is charged with reconciling the differences between the Governor's Budget, the Senate version of the Budget, and the Assembly version of the Budget, concluded their work. While the Conference Committee was able to act upon several hundred pages of Budget action items in its 300 page binders, they were unable to bring about decisions on some of the outstanding issues in the larger Budget debate. The large-scale decisions now fall to the legislative leaders who are termed, "The Big Five." The "Big Five" consists of Governor Schwarzenegger, Senate President pro Tem Don Perata, Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines. As you are aware, the state began its fiscal year without a Budget on July 1, and leaders are now locked in a debate over how to deal with the state's "structural deficit" which is projected to be around $5 billion next year. Republicans want to reduce the deficit by bringing expenditures more in line with revenues, which necessitates Budget cuts. Democrats, on the other hand, want to protect important proposals such as funding for education, health and welfare, and the correctional system.

The "Big 5" convened a meeting yesterday, which did not produce any further movement. In fact, Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines told the Sacramento Bee, "We are $2 billion apart." Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez is warning leaders to be ready to sacrifice part of the legislature's summer recess if a deal is not made on the state Budget by July 20.

You will recall that the Budget Conference Committee approved a $1 million augmentation to the Public Library Foundation (PLF), which, while not significant in its dollar amount, was seen by many in the legislature as a "symbolic move" to indicate the importance of the program during a tight Budget year. If the Governor approves the $1 million augmentation when he signs the 2007-08 Budget, the baseline figure for the PLF will be $22.3 million.

II. AB 1030-CABALLERO: LITERACY PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

AB 1030 by Assemblywoman Caballero, the former Mayor of Salinas, is part of a multiple bill package that she has titled her "Gang Prevention Kit" in order to assist at-risk youth. Specifically, AB 1030 would expand the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services Program to services targeted to young adults, 16 years of age and over, who are not enrolled in school. The program would allow these youths to receive adult basic literacy tutoring and related services. Recent research by the State Library indicates that only 618 youths, ages 16-19 were served by this program in 2005-06. The author believes this bill will create a better sense of awareness regarding the need to serve this critically underserved population.

CLA is in support of the measure, which recently had a hearing in the Senate Education Committee. The Education Committee Consultant recommended amendments that would strike language requiring that private fund contributions for the program be maintained at the same level as the year prior. The analysis states, "While it seems reasonable to require the local jurisdiction demonstrate a continuing fiscal commitment in order to access state funds, current law also requires a commitment regarding private funds. Regardless of the effort exerted, a local jurisdiction may not be in a position to compel private donations, contributions, or grants. Is it reasonable to hold a local jurisdiction responsible for maintaining the provision of private funds over which it has no control? Staff further recommends that the certification regarding maintenance of the level of private support be deleted from current law." The author agreed to accept the consultant's recommendations.

Earlier in the year, the author had been hopeful that she could secure a $2 million appropriation for the bill. However, due to the state's difficult fiscal climate, the bill does not contain additional funding, but rather, asks that the program be funded using existing resources within the current program. It is the author's intent to seek funding for the at-risk youth literacy program in future years.

The measure will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, July 16. If you have an interest in AB 1030-Caballero, please contact the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee via phone to indicate your support.

Senator Tom Torlakson, Chair (916) 651-4007
Senator Dave Cox, Vice Chair (916) 651-4001

Posted by claadmin at 5:16 PM

June 21, 2007

Budget Conference Committee Approves Additional PLF Funding

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist and Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From The Capitol

BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPROVES AN ADDITIONAL $1 MILLION FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION

Yesterday afternoon the powerful six member Budget Conference Committee met to consider approximately 100 remaining items that have yet to be finalized as part of the State Budget negotiations. You will recall from our previous memos that the Budget Conference Committee is charged with reconciling the difference between the Senate Version of the Budget, the Assembly Version of the Budget, and what the Governor proposed in his January Budget and May Revision. On Tuesday, the Conference Committee voted to augment the Public Library Foundation by $1 million, which, if approved by the Governor when he signs the Budget, would bring the PLF total baseline to $22.3 million.

Almost one month ago, Senators Joe Simitian and Jack Scott, as members of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, approved a $2 million augmentation to the PLF and forwarded their recommendation to the Budget Conference Committee. The Assembly Budget Subcommittee suggested no increase to the PLF baseline, which forced the PLF issue into Conference Committee to be resolved. Due to the state's tight fiscal condition right now (primarily due to a dip in personal income tax receipts and the lagging housing market), we knew it would be a challenge even to hold on to the $2 million augmentation.

On June 1 the Conference Committee began meeting regularly, and would attempt to "close" items where there was consensus. The first time the conferees addressed the PLF item, Budget Conference Committee Co-Chair Assemblyman John Laird asked if action on the item could be deferred. Senator Denise Ducheny, the other Co-Chair of the Conference Committee then added, "That is fine, but I would like to speak to this. This is particularly frustrating for us (the Senate). In the 1990's we were working to get the fund up. We were at $56 million in 2000, and then we were back down to $21 million last year. This is not helpful to the folks in our communities who are trying to learn to read. We have been creeping back up in recent years, but I want to make some progress here." The Conference Committee passed on the item and it was tabled until June 13. On June 13, the conferees again tried to close the item but were not ready yet, and hinted at "splitting the difference" between the two houses, which would be $1 million. Then yesterday the conferees again raised the issue of funding for the PLF with the Chair announcing that the committee was prepared to reduce the Senate Version by $1 million and leave a $1 million augmentation for the fund. Senator Dennis Hollingsworth asked the Department of Finance, "What is in the Governor's May Revise?" The representative for Finance responded, "The base for the program is $21.3 million. We didn't provide funding beyond the base." The Conference Committee then moved to approve the $1 million augmentation and it passed with all four Democrats voting "aye" and the two Republican members voting "no."

The Conference Committee is currently unable to close the remaining large scale items before them which include funding for Proposition 98, discussion on several major water issues related to the water bond implementation, as well as prison reform/corrections. The so-called "Big 4," consisting of Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, Senate President pro Tem Don Perata, Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, and Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman, met yesterday to try to come to agreement on the major areas of contention. Also clouding the discussions is the need to address how the tribal compacts, that were previously approved by the Governor, will be implemented, as union groups are demanding that provisions to allow for the protection of casino workers be included in the compacts. Rumors abound that there may be a push for a resolution soon on all of these items so that a Budget could be on the respective Floors of each house by the June 30th deadline.

Posted by claadmin at 7:14 AM

June 1, 2007

Library Construction Bond and Homework Help Bills Held

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News from the Capitol

I. DIFFICULT DAY IN FISCAL COMMITTEES FOR LIBRARY ISSUES:
LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION BOND AND ONLINE HOMEWORK HELP BILLS HELD

Yesterday afternoon, the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees took up their so-called "suspense file," a process which allows the fiscal committees to prioritize legislation, with fiscal implications to the State, exceeding $150,000. The Assembly Appropriations Committee heard approximately 600 bills on their "suspense file," (593 to be exact) totaling more than $7 billion. The Senate Appropriations Committee considered close to 400 measures with similar cost estimates. The "suspense file" vote is always much anticipated, and lobbyists pack the hearing rooms to determine if their legislation will be considered "dead" for the year, or will move forward to the respective Floors of each House. Because Democrats dominate each House, more bills are passed by Democrat authors than Republican authors, and the majority of bills that are passed by the Committee are passed with all Democrats voting "aye" and all Republicans voting "no." In fact, in order to avoid calling the roll on each bill, and to expedite the process, the Assembly has instituted a process of votes by an "A" roll call, meaning all Democrats and Republicans voting "aye," or a "B" roll call, meaning all Democrats voting "aye" and Republicans voting "no." CLA has been actively supporting three bills that were considered yesterday by the Assembly as well as the Senate Appropriations Committees. Here is the information regarding their disposition:

SB 156-SIMITIAN: Library Construction and Renovation Bond Bill - Held In Committee

Yesterday the Senate Appropriations Committee decided to hold SB 156 by Senator Joe Simitian, in committee, instead of sending it to the Senate Floor for vote. Senator Simitian expressed his disappointment over the decision by the committee to hold the bill on "suspense." Subsequent to the hearing, the Senator said that he "will do anything he can, and is actively working, to ensure that a library bond moves forward as soon as possible." He further stated that he "is as committed, as ever, to library construction funding."

For now, SB 156 remains the possession of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the legislature's focus will now shift to passage of the State Budget and to negotiations over the numerous health care bills. We will keep you posted regarding any developments as the session continues.

AB 1233-Galgiani: Online Homework Help - Held In Committee

AB 1233-Galgiani, is sponsored by Tutor.com and would provide $3 million in additional state General Fund monies for the purpose of requiring the State Librarian to enter into a contract with an entity to establish and maintain a program of online homework assistance that is free of charge through public libraries in the state. Due to the increasingly difficult state Budget picture, the bill was held in committee due to its large costs.

AB 1030-Caballero: At Risk Youth Literacy - Approved

AB 1030-Caballero is part of the author's "Gang Prevention Tool Kit" to address the problems of at-risk youth, gangs, and literacy. Specifically, the bill expands the California Library and Literacy and English Acquisition Services (CEALS) program to include services to young adults 16 years of age or over who are not enrolled in school to provide adult basic literacy tutoring. The bill also deletes the local certification requirement to provide the same level of fiscal support in the prior fiscal year. The bill will now head to the Assembly Floor for vote next week.

II. BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE TO BEGIN THIS AFTERNOON

This afternoon the powerful six member Budget Conference Committee will begin holding hearings to consider and reconcile the differences between the Governor's Budget, the Senate Version of the Budget, and the Assembly Version of the Budget. The Conference Committee is expected to begin working through the weekend and during the next two weeks in an attempt to have a Budget compromise ready by the June 15th constitutional deadline.

As mentioned in our previous memo, the Senate Budget Conferees are: Senator Denise Ducheny, Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, and Senator Mike Machado. On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez announced his conferees for the Assembly, who will be: Assemblyman John Laird, Assemblyman Roger Niello, and Assemblyman Mark Leno. The Public Library Foundation will be subject to consideration by the Conferees, as there is a dollar difference between the two houses relative to the action they took on the PLF. The Senate is recommending that the PLF be augmented by $2 million, bringing the potential baseline funding level to $23 million. The Assembly took no action on the PLF. As mentioned previously, both houses rejected the Governor's proposed $52,000 cut to the PLF in order to fund the State Library's Integrated Library System Replacement Project.

Please take a moment today to write or call the members of the Budget Conference Committee and urge their strong support for:
BUDGET ITEM NUMBER 6120-221-0001: PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION: SUPPORT FOR SENATE VERSION.

Sample address:
Assemblyman John Laird, Chair
Budget Conference Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

Assemblyman John Laird (916) 319-2027
Assemblyman Roger Niello (916) 319-2005
Assemblyman Mark Leno (916) 319-2013
Senator Denise Ducheny (916) 651-4040
Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (916) 651-4036
Senator Mike Machado (916) 651-4005

Posted by claadmin at 3:10 PM

May 23, 2007

News from the Capitol

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From the Capitol

I. SENATE BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE PROTECTS PLF - ADDS $2 MILLION

Last Friday, the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance Number 1 considered the State Library budget, which includes taking action with regard to the Public Library Foundation. As you may recall from our previous memo, the Senate Budget Subcommittee rejected the Governor's May Revision, which called for a $52,000 reduction to the Public Library Foundation in order to fund the State Library's request for an upgraded Integrated Library System Replacement Project. Instead, the Senate Budget Subcommittee supported CLA's request to reinstate the dollars to the PLF and create a separate Budget line-item for the State Library's ILS item. The subcommittee then left the issue of consideration for additional funding for the PLF "open" until after the May Revision had been released and a better determination of the state's fiscal picture could be determined.

On Friday, the Senate Budget Subcommittee voted to support a $2 million augmentation to the PLF. The motion received positive comments from both Senator Joe Simitian, a member of the subcommittee and author of CLA's library construction bond, and Senator Jack Scott, the Chair of the subcommittee. Senator Scott noted that the subcommittee has always been a strong supporter of the libraries and added, "I feel I have been a strong advocate for the PLF." Senator Simitian then echoed the Chair's comments. The motion passed with 2 "ayes" and Senator Bob Margett abstaining. The Department of Finance representative cautioned, "We will more than likely have concerns with the augmentation." We went up on behalf of CLA and thanked the subcommittee for recognizing the continuing need. We noted that while we recognize it is a tight Budget year, "every little bit helps."

Yesterday afternoon, over in the Assembly, the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance also considered the PLF issue and, like the Senate subcommittee, they voted to restore the $52,000 to the PLF that the Governor proposed reducing. However, the subcommittee did not offer any additional augmentation to the PLF.

As is custom, when there is a difference between the so-called "Senate Version" of the Budget and the "Assembly Version" of the Budget, as there is with the PLF ($2 million augmentation Senate, $0 augmentation Assembly), the issue is sent into Budget Conference Committee negotiations. The PLF will be one of several hundred items where there needs to be a reconciliation between the differing dollar amounts between the two houses. The Budget Conference Committee will begin meeting in approximately two weeks and will work through the summer to produce a Budget document to present to the Governor for signature. The Senate announced its Budget Conference Committee conferees late yesterday. They are: Senator Denise Ducheny (Chair of the Senate Budget Committee), Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee), and Senator Mike Machado. The Assembly conferees have yet to be named, but more than likely they will be Assemblyman John Laird (Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, Assemblyman Roger Niello (Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee), and Assemblyman Mark Leno (Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.) When these names have been made official in the Assembly, we will alert you and will ask library supporters to write on behalf of the Senate Version of the Budget.

II. LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION BOND WILL HAVE DETAILS WORKED OUT ON "SUSPENSE"

On Monday, the Senate Appropriations Committee heard SB 156 by Senator Joe Simitian, which is a $4 billion library construction and renovation bond measure. Due to its enormous fiscal costs, the committee placed the bill on its so-called "suspense file." The "suspense file" is a method by which the committee prioritizes all bills with fiscal implications of $150,000 or greater and decides whether to "hold the bill in committee" or "pass it forward" to the Senate Floor. The "suspense file" will likely be taken up late next week.

In his opening remarks, Senator Simitian (a newly appointed member to the committee, as of last week), told the members, "There is a current need of over $6 billion, and 75 percent of all project applicants were denied funding during the last bond due to lack of dollars." He then noted that he intends to take amendments to change the date that the bond would appear on the ballot from the February Primary to November 2008. He also added that there were some issues that he wanted to address while the bond was on the "suspense file," including accepting amendments that would allow the Bond Board to rescind grants for non-performance and issue them to another qualified applicant, as well as include an amendment to set-aside a dollar amount in order to fund the "Outstanding" projects from Cycle 3. Senator Torlakson, the Chair of the committee, stated, "There has been a huge pent-up need for a long time. I would like to ask you to consider giving some projects priority." Senator Simitian offered, "The Outstanding category is the logical candidate. They are the top ranked and so that can be relatively managed. However, there is $329 million in the Very Good category. I don't want to make a commitment that we can't keep." The Senator's comments are in regard to the over-riding issue of what will the Senate leadership, Assembly leadership, and Governor allow the over-all bond amount to eventually be, knowing that the state is facing tight bonded indebtedness capacity as each new bond is passed. For example, the fiscal committee analysis notes the bond amount at $4 billion - but a total committed amount of $7.454 billion for principal and interest over 30 years. The analysis states, "Staff notes that California voters have authorized $121.8 billion in general obligation bonds since 1970 and two-thirds of that amount has been authorized since 2002. According to estimates prepared by the Legislative Analyst's Office, the state's General Fund debt service costs are expected to rise from $4.7 billion in 2007-08 to $7.5 billion in 2014-15. If ultimately approved by the voters, this measure would increase those costs. Each dollar spent paying debt service is a dollar that could have been spent on other programs." (Senate Appropriations Committee analysis.)

As CLA is the sponsor of the measure, we testified in support and noted that library usage continues to increase and communities demand library services. We were joined in support by the California State Association of Counties, the lobbyist for Sacramento county and city, and the lobbyist for the city of Burbank. Senator Torlakson thanked all present and also thanked all of the legislators who have previously worked to support library bonds, including committee member Senator Ellen Corbett.

At this time, CLA and Senator Simitian are scheduling a series of meetings with key leaders and legislators to garner support for the bond and encourage a high dollar amount remain in the bond.

Posted by claadmin at 3:43 PM

May 14, 2007

News from the Capitol

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From the Capitol

GOVERNOR RELEASES "MAY REVISION" OF BUDGET - NO CHANGE TO PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION

Shortly after 1 p.m. today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released his May Revision of the Budget, which he noted is "fiscally responsible, fully funds education, and continues to pay down the debt." The so-called "May Revise" allows the Governor and his Department of Finance to make revenue and programmatic adjustments to the January Budget that was released earlier this year. At a press conference held in the Secretary of State's massive auditorium, the Governor stated that despite the housing slump, "revenue projections have come out right on target." However, the Governor cautioned, "California's Budget still lives on a razor's edge" and argued that it is difficult to make reductions or programmatic changes when "90 percent of the Budget is already committed." (e.g. Proposition 98, union agreements, etc.) He has proposed a series of reductions in the Budget, with his Budget primer reading: "Consequently, the only way to hold down spending is by approving very few discretionary spending increases while changing state law to reduce the cost of programs. The Governor's Budget proposed legislation to reduce various state programs for a total savings of $2.5 billion. The May Revision proposes additional program reductions for $430 million in additional savings, of which $230 million will be in the budget year, with the remainder occurring in the current year."

Despite the above referenced cuts, the Governor made no changes in the State Library budget, including the Public Library Foundation, which he continues to fund at the January Budget baseline level of $21.3 million. Since the Governor has not proposed an augmentation to the PLF, it will be necessary for the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees to include an augmentation during their deliberations in the coming days if the PLF is to receive increased funding this year. As you may recall from our previous memo, the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance restored the $52,000 cut to the PLF, which was intended to fund the State Library's Integrated Library System Replacement Project. The subcommittee preferred that funding for the State Library project come from other non-Proposition 98 sources, instead of using the PLF as the annual funding stream. In addition, the Senate Budget Subcommittee will be revisiting the idea of providing an augmentation to the PLF when they meet later this week or next week. The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance expressed initial concern over the $52,000 proposed reduction, but took no action - choosing to defer action until after the May Revise was released. Similarly, they have not made any decision regarding whether or not to augment the PLF.

We will alert you when the subcommittees take final action on the Public Library Foundation and related library items.

Posted by claadmin at 5:08 PM

May 11, 2007

Library Bond Bill to be Amended

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist and Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From the Capitol

I. LIBRARY BOND BILL TO BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE PRIORITY FUNDING FOR "THIRD CYCLE APPLICANTS"

SB 156 by Senator Joe Simitian is a $4 billion library construction and renovation bond measure that is sponsored by the California Library Association. The measure recently passed the Senate Education Committee, and is currently awaiting a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee, scheduled for Monday, May 21.

CLA lobbyists and the CLA "Bond Task Force," Chaired by CLA Legislative Chair, Melinda Cervantes, have been actively engaging in strategy discussions over the last month with Senator Simitian and his staff. Specifically, the Senator has been approached by several legislators who are arguing that SB 156 should contain a set-aside or priority funding for the so-called "Third Cycle Applicants" who did not receive funding during the 2000 construction bond grant awards. These legislators include a key Republican who strongly supported the past library bonds, and a new Democrat legislator who indicated it would be difficult for him to support the bill without the set-aside for "Third Cycle" projects. Senator Simitian has weighed the issue, and, with the concurrence of the CLA Task Force, a determination was made to craft amendments for SB 156 that will assist eligible libraries from the 2000 bond. Specifically, the bill will be amended to:

Include a $500 million set-aside to grant priority funding to viable and eligible Third Cycle "Outstanding" and "Very Good" projects that were not funded in 2000.

Include language that will lift the state match cap from $20 million to $30 million to allow for inflation adjustments.

Include an opportunity for library projects to recalculate their original application to allow for cost inflators, but the adjustments shall "not affect a change in the scope, scale, or quality of the project."

The 2000 bond regulations would govern the administration of these funds.

Any additional funds contained in the bond would be awarded on a competitive basis under new regulations developed by the Bond Board.

The CLA Task Force, as well as the Senator, felt that there were two other large issues that needed to be addressed in amendments, in addition to the above language. Amendments being incorporated into the bill will now give authority to the Bond Board to withdraw a grant award for noncompliance and award the grant to another applicant library jurisdiction. Lastly, the bill will also be amended to change the date of the ballot that the bond will appear on, from the 2008 Primary Election to the 2008 November Election.

II. GOVERNOR WILL RELEASE "MAY REVISION" OF BUDGET NEXT WEEK: FORECAST IS GLOOMY?

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to release the so-called "May Revision" of the Budget on Monday or Tuesday of next week. The "May Revise" is the annual document prepared by the Governor, his Administration, and Department of Finance, which makes adjustments to the Governor's January Budget. The document may revise revenue adjustments upward, downward, propose new projects, and even suggest that existing programs be cut.

This year's May Revise is much anticipated due to the fact that the legislature had received early warnings that tax receipts were coming in slower and lower than in previous years. A great deal of that slowdown in revenue is being attributed to the ever-declining housing market. However, on May 1, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that "surprisingly robust collections of personal income taxes [in April] have brightened the state's budget picture by $1.3 billion - easing concerns over a big shortfall next year." Assembly Budget Chair, John Laird offered, "The choice was between a difficult or an extremely difficult budget, and I think we've probably dodged the bullet this time." However, the rumblings out of the Governor's Administration are not as rosy, and it is rumored that the Governor may be proposing sizeable cuts when the May Revise is released. Sources say that that Governor continues to be concerned about the housing market slump, as well as certain revenue assumptions that he made in his January Budget that have yet to materialize.

We will keep you posted as developments surface regarding the May Revise.

Posted by claadmin at 3:06 PM

May 3, 2007

Library Legislative Day Pictorial!

The California State Library has put together a terrific pictorial of Library Legislative Day. To see grassroots lobbying in action, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/csl_news/sets/72157600214255029/.

Posted by claadmin at 9:53 AM

April 23, 2007

Library Legislative Day in Sacramento a Success!

On behalf of the CLA Legislative Committee, I would like to thank those of you who participated in CLA/CSLA Library Legislative Day in Sacramento yesterday. And hats off to those of you who sent letters and resolutions to your legislators encouraging support of PLF, the State Library, Resource Sharing, SB156 Library Construction and Renovation Bond and the many other bills and funding issues so important to California libraries. There were nearly 300 highly visible librarians and library supporters recognized in the Capitol Halls by the "Libraries = Value" folders. Now that's advocacy!

Here are a few suggestions to keep our message alive during this legislative session:

Send letters of support NOW for PLF, SB156, AB1233 (from Prop. 49 funds, not General Funds) and AB1030 (letters from law enforcement officials would be very compelling)
Introduce resolutions in support of SB156
Introduce resolutions in support of full funding for PLF
Send Thank you letters to legislators and/or their staff for taking the time to meet with you
Send Letters/emails to key legislators encouraging their co-authorship of SB156, AB1233 and AB1030

All documents will remain on the CLA Website throughout the Legislative Session.

Many of you provided feedback throughout the day on the 100+ legislative appointments, but if you haven't please take a few minutes to respond to the survey that is posted on the CLA Website. Who did you meet with and what was their level of support for libraries? Were you successful in securing additional co-authors for SB156, AB1233 or AB1030? Did you find the legislative orientation at the start of the day helpful? Did you participate in the Demystifying Grassroots Lobbying Podcast with Nancy Amidei? Did you make use of Room 115 as a respite between appointments? What suggestions can you offer to improve Legislative Day in Sacramento and/or Legislative Day in the District for next year? We need to hear from you if we are to make improvements to this event next year.

Several members from Oakland Public Library's Youth Leadership Council participated in Library Legislative Day. Above, they visit with Susan Hildreth, State Librarian of California.

Finally, I would like to recognize the entire CLA Legislative Committee, but extend a special thanks to Kathy Gould, Legislative Day Coordinator, Susan Negreen and her staff for all the on site preparation, Diane Smikahl and Bessie Condos for their work in preparing documents for the Legislative Day packets, John McGinnis for his expertise managing the Legislative Day Appointment data, "Team Dillon" for their leadership throughout the year and their insightful comments during the Legislative Day Orientation, Margaret Donnellan Todd, CLA President, Susan Hildreth for securing a National Library Week Proclamation from the Governor and all the CLA Legislative Committee Members and Liaisons whose leadership and experience helped to make 2007 Library Legislative Day one of our most successful. Now let's get busy with those letters and resolutions and keep CLA's message alive!

Melinda Cervantes, Chair
CLA Legislative Committee

CLA Legislative Committee Members
Jose Aponte
Melinda Cervantes, Chair
Deborah Clark
Bessie Condos
Deborah Doyle
Kathy Gould
Carey Gross
Luis Herrera
Terri Maguire
David McFadden
Jan Sanders
Diane Smikahl

Liaisons
Alan Bern, IFC
Deborah Doyle, CALTAC
Susan Hildreth, State Library
John McGinnis, CSLA
Susan Negreen, CLA
Cameron Robertson, State Library
Susan Steinhauser, LOC Board

Lobbyists
Mike Dillon
Christina Dillon
---------------

Legislative Day Survey

Posted by claadmin at 2:45 PM

April 11, 2007

Demystifying Grassroots Lobbying

Just the idea of talking with legislators can be intimidating. Long-time activist Nancy Amidei takes the confusion and fear out of grassroots lobbying by providing hints and tricks to having a successful, meaningful Library Legislative Day. Nancy recently came to the state capital to share her experiences and secrets to grassroots lobbying. If you missed it, we are providing the podcast, produced by InfoPeople.

Nancy Amidei is on the faculty of the University of Washington School of Social Work, where she also directs the Civic Engagement Project. A joint effort of OMB Watch and the UW School of Social Work, CEP works with non-profit organizations throughout the country. CEP offers advocacy training, speeches, workshops, and resource materials, for work at federal, state, or local levels. A writer, teacher, and advocate, Nancy has been involved in social policy from both inside and outside government. She is a former Director of the Food Research and Action Center (a national anti-hunger group). She also served in the Carter Administration as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the federal department of Health, Education, and Welfare (now DHHS), and in the early 70's she was on the Staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs.

Listen to Podcast
Podcast
iTunes
You can download an MP3 file to any MP3 player, or listen to it directly on your computer using not only iTunes, but also Windows Media Player, WinAmp, Real Player, or any other application that can play MP3 files.

Posted by claadmin at 1:08 PM

March 29, 2007

News From the Capitol

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From The Capitol

I. SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE HEARS $4 BILLION LIBRARY BOND BILL

Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee heard SB 156 by Senator Joe Simitian. SB 156 is CLA's sponsored $4 billion library construction and renovation bond bill, which, if approved by the legislature, would appear on the 2008 Primary ballot for vote. In his opening remarks, Senator Simitian, who is one of the legislature's biggest library supporters, stated, "There is more than a $4 billion statewide need. This bill is less than the anticipated need, but will be subject to negotiation." Senator Simitian was referencing the fact that in past years, CLA has been required to negotiate the ultimate dollar amount contained in the library bond measures due to factors out of our control, such as pressures on the state General Fund and the state's bonded indebtedness ratio. We opened with a brief statement on behalf of CLA, and then deferred to CLA President Margaret Donnellan Todd who testified that the need in Los Angeles County alone is $2 billion. President Todd emphasized that there are tremendous economic benefits to locating libraries in communities, as they are the "center of culture and learning." Sacramento Library Director, Anne Marie Gold also testified on behalf of CLA, noting that her county master plan has identified 44 new libraries that will be needed in the next 20 years. She added that libraries remain particularly relevant in today's society as "3 out of 5 Californians own a library card."

Senator Simitian told the committee that there are several issues that will need to be resolved as the bill travels through the process, including the bond dollar amount and which ballot the bond will eventually appear on (if we are successful passing the measure in the legislature). The City of West Hollywood has contacted Senator Simitian with the request that the bill be amended to give priority to the Third Cycle "Outstanding" applicants who were denied funding in the last bond. Senator Simitian said that he is looking at the issue and wants to determine first, "what is good public policy, what is fair, and what is politically feasible."

The measure also received support yesterday from the California State PTA and the California Special Districts Association. Senator Jeff Denham, a Republican member of the Senate Education Committee, who voted for Senator Alpert's library bond measure in 2004, stated, "This is an area I believe we have a great need for in the state."

Any legislation with cost implications over a certain threshold is sent to the so-called Senate Education "suspense file." Similar to the Senate Appropriations "suspense file," this process allows the committee to prioritize the many bills with fiscal implications over the next few weeks. The Senate Education Committee will decide which bills to move forward or "hold in Committee" in May. Since Senator Simitian is also a member of the Senate Education Committee, we have great confidence the bill will move forward.

II. SENATOR TOM TORLAKSON INTRODUCES "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK" RESOLUTION - RECEIVES SUPPORT ON SENATE FLOOR

Yesterday afternoon, Senator Tom Torlakson, the Senate Appropriations Chair, introduced on the Senate Floor, Senate Resolution 11, declaring April 15 to April 21, 2007 as "National Library Week" in California. The resolution "applauds the positive and vital impact of California's libraries, librarians, trustees, and all library workers, and thanks them for enriching the lives of residents and helping to make our state an exceptional place to live, learn, and work." In his opening remarks, Senator Torlakson noted that the resolution is an "opportunity for us to recognize the outstanding work our libraries do," and added that libraries are the "perfect place to find that special book or bridge the digital divide." The resolution passed on a vote of 34 to 0.

Senator Torlakson will be presenting CLA, CSLA, and CALTAC representatives with SR 11 on Legislative Day in Sacramento, Wednesday, April 18. The event will be held on the Capitol steps immediately following the conclusion of the Opening Day remarks at the Convention Center. Additional details regarding the event will be made available to all Legislative Day attendees in the coming days. Everyone attending Legislative Day is welcome to join us at the Capitol steps on April 18 for this special event, which will last approximately 10-15 minutes.

III. WELL DONE! CLA MEMBER LETTERS MAKE IMPACT IN ASSEMBLY BUDGET HEARING ON PROPOSED $52,000 CUT TO PLF

The phrase, "Your letters really do make a difference" certainly applied during the recent hearing of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance as they considered the State Library budget and the Public Library Foundation. Subcommittee members commented that they had received more letters on the issue of the $52,000 proposed cut to the PLF than any other issue.

The State Library portion of the hearing began with opening remarks from State Librarian Susan Hildreth who thanked the subcommittee for their past support. She introduced the proposal by the State Library to fund a new "Integrated System Replacement Project" and noted that the support with the current vendor will cease in 2009. The State Librarian explained that the ILS will be a "multi-phase project, and we anticipate an additional request (next Budget year) of $1.4 million to make the purchase. In the following year, we will need funding for ongoing operations." The State Librarian then noted that the "funding (for the ILS) has been re-directed by a light amount, and I understand the concerns raised by some in the public libraries." As you may recall, the Governor's January Budget recommends cutting the PLF by $52,000 to fund the first implementation phase of the State Library's project. The Department of Finance representative then said, "Given the state's fiscal situation, the PLF is a viable option for the funding. The critical issue is the out-year cost, which I am sure you are hearing about." Assembly Budget Subcommittee Chair, Assemblywoman Julia Brownley said, "Have you considered any other sources?" to which the DOF representative responded, "It's General Fund, and PLF is General Fund." The representative from the Legislative Analyst's Office spoke in opposition to the $52,000 reduction from the PLF, stating, "You are taking money away literally from the public libraries. It is 22 cents on the dollar that we are giving locals, given the statute."

Assemblywoman Jean Fuller offered, "This (ILS) is a needed system. But I have gotten more letters on this than any other issue for a $52,000 issue. What is the benefit to the libraries? I am concerned with the out-year cost." We then testified on behalf of CLA and gave the subcommittee some history of the PLF, given the fact that there are many new members on the subcommittee this year. We noted the devastating cuts that the PLF has sustained for years, and said that while we do not object to the State Library's program, "our concern is that the PLF not be used as a piggy bank." We argued that the high volume of letters received by the subcommittee members was likely the "anger at the principle, as the public knows the costs will be ongoing." We asked the subcommittee to reject the cut to the PLF, to consider an increase to the PLF baseline, and to create a separate budget line item for the State Library program.

Anne Marie Gold, Sacramento Library Director testified on behalf of CLA and spoke to how the PLF increases and decreases directly affect her ability to provide necessary services. She also did an excellent job of addressing the question that often arises: "Are libraries still valid? Still relevant?" and gave tangible examples for the committee. Assemblyman Mike Duvall wondered if the money for the State Library program could come out of another line item or if the subcommittee should wait for the May Revision of the Budget. The Chair noted, "I am sure we can. It (the ILS) is a three year program, so it is a problem." Said subcommittee member Assemblyman Gene Mullin, also the Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, "This is like being back in local government. I got more letters on this item than a $2.9 billion school item I carried."

The lobbyist for Alameda and Ventura County also stated their support of the PLF and concern over the $52,000 reduction. In the end, the subcommittee decided that it was best to leave the issue "open" so that the subcommittee could revisit the issue after the May Revision. The May Revision of the Governor's Budget is typically released some time near May 15.

Posted by claadmin at 4:08 PM

March 2, 2007

News from the Capitol - Action Requested

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts
FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist and Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist
RE: News from the Capitol

I. ASSEMBLY SUBCOMMITTEE WILL HEAR LIBRARY BUDGET ISSUES ON MARCH 14th

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number Two on Education Finance is scheduled to hear the State Library's budget on Wednesday, March 14th at the State Capitol. As we reported to you in our January 30th memo, these six Assembly members are critical. On March 14, they will begin reviewing the Governor's proposed January Budget for the State Library - a Budget which contains: 1)a $52,000 reduction to the Public Library Foundation (which is intended to initiate the California State Library's Integrated Library System Replacement Project), and 2) no increase or recommendation regarding Transaction Based Reimbursement.

These six members will then decide to make a recommendation regarding our library issues, or defer the issue until May, when the May Revision of the Budget is released. If funding for the PLF is not included at the subcommittee level, it is almost impossible to get it included later at the larger Budget Conference Committee level. Thus, these next few months of negotiations in subcommittee will be very important, and your letters to the subcommittee are of great value. Please take a moment to write the members of the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees today!

If you are writing letters on behalf of the PLF, please urge that the members support:

Restoring the $52,000 that the Governor cut in the Public Library Foundation
Request that the legislature continue augmenting this program that is woefully underfunded. (Full funding, according to statute would require $94,217,000 - yet the PLF baseline currently stands at $21.3 million!)

Note: CLA will also be working with the Budget Subcommittee members and staff to encourage them to reject the Governor's $52,000 reduction and create a separate Budget line item in the Budget for the State Library Integrated Library System Replacement Project - so that the project is not jeopardized, and that future funding needs for this program comes out of the state General Fund, and not the PLF baseline. (You do not need to include this in your letters if you do not feel comfortable addressing this complex issue.)

ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE NUMBER TWO ON EDUCATION FINANCE
Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, Chair
Assemblyman Michael Duvall, Member
Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally, Member
Assemblywoman Jean Fuller, Member
Assemblyman Gene Mullin, Member
Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, Member

(Of the above listed members, Assemblymembers Brownley, Duvall, Fuller, and Swanson are newly elected Freshmen and are new to the subcommittee.)

Hearing Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - Support for the Public Library Foundation: Budget Item: 6120-221-0001

Sample address:
The Honorable Julia Brownley, Chair
Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number Two on Education Finance
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA. 95814

SENATE BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE NUMBER ONE ON EDUCATION FINANCE
Senator Jack Scott, Chair
Senator Bob Margett, Member
Senator Joe Simitian, Member
Hearing Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - Support for the Public Library Foundation: Budget Item: 6120-221-0001

II. LIBRARY BOND BILL SET FOR FIRST HEARING IN SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Senator Joe Simitian's SB 156, a $4 billion library construction and renovation bond measure, sponsored by CLA, has been scheduled for hearing in the Senate Education Committee. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 28th at 9:30 a.m. in room 4203 at the State Capitol. SB 156 is the work product of an ad hoc committee of CLA members and the Proposition 14 Steering Committee. As mentioned previously, the measure is similar to SB 1161-Alpert, which failed passage on the June 2006 ballot, except for the following:

The minimum amount per project has been increased from $50,000 to $500,000.
The maximum amount per project has been increased from $20 million to $30 million.
5% of the total bond amount will be made available for joint-use projects, rather than the specific $25 million set-aside in the last bond act.
There will be no priority given to applicants submitted, but not funded from the 2000 Bond Act (the so-called "Cycle 3" Applicant priority), as the committee felt that too much time will have elapsed with construction costs, etc. to make this provision appropriate. Thus, everyone will start on an even, competitive playing field with SB 156.

Over the last few weeks, Senator Simitian has been actively gathering names of potential co-authors to add to the bill. Many of you had excellent meetings with legislators during your "Day In the District" events, and some legislators noted that they wanted to be co-authors on the bond bill during your meetings. Thanks to several of you for passing that information on to our offices - we, in turn, gave that information to Senator Simitian.

Please take a moment today to write the members of the Senate Education Committee and urge their strong support for SB 156-Simitian. The committee will need to receive hundreds of support letters in order to make the necessary impact, as there is tremendous competition this year for bonds, including the Governor's own $41 billion Strategic Growth Plan, a massive infrastructure bond package that would complement last year's successful bond deal.

MEMBERS OF THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Senator Jack Scott, Chair
Senator Mark Wyland, Vice Chair
Senator Elaine Alquist
Senator Jeff Denham
Senator Abel Maldonado
Senator Alex Padilla
Senator Gloria Romero
Senator Joe Simitian (* Bond Bill Author)
Senator Tom Torlakson

Sample address:
The Honorable Jack Scott
Chair, Senate Education Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA. 95814

Posted by claadmin at 9:14 AM

March 1, 2007

Library Legislative Day Registration has Begun!

Please join us in Sacramento for Library Legislative Day on Wednesday, April 18th!

We have some exciting issues to discuss with Legislators this year, including:

Full funding for the Public Library Foundation
Full funding for Resource Sharing and Transaction Based Reimbursement
A new Public Library Construction Bond Act
Funding for the California State Library
State purchase of electronic resources for school libraries

Sponsored by the California Library Association (CSLA), the California School Library Association (CLA), and the California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners (CALTAC), Library Legislative Day is an opportunity for library staff and supporters to meet with your state Legislators and/or their staffs in their Capitol offices.

Registration for Library Legislative Day is a 2 step process:

1. Register online or by fax or mail, using CLA's registration form.

A small registration fee will help offset the costs of this event. An important briefing will begin promptly at 8:30 AM – please make travel arrangements to ensure you are there on time. You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation if required.

2. In the next couple of weeks, registrants will receive an email with instructions for signing up for appointment dates and time. This link will also be available on CLA's Library Legislative Day web page.

As you plan your participation in Library Legislative Day, here are some things to keep in mind:

Fact sheets are being developed for key legislative issues and will be posted on the CLA website. Prior to traveling to Sacramento you are encouraged to check the website to help you prepare for your meetings with legislators.
You may wish to bring brief handout materials (such as a brochure or newsletter highlighting the services provided by your library) that can be left behind for future reference. Messages from constituents such as letters or drawings from the children who use your library are always much appreciated!
Trustees, Commissioners, Board members, Friends, parents, students or other supporters are encouragedd to attend. Please ensure that the names and affiliations of all representatives of your library are registered on the appointment website so that the contact person can let the legislator know who will be attending the meeting.

See you in Sacramento!

Kathy Gould
Legislative Day Coordinator

Posted by claadmin at 7:58 AM

January 30, 2007

Library Bond Measure and Budget Committees Announced

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts
FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist
RE: News from the Capitol

I. SENATOR JOE SIMITIAN INTRODUCES $4 BILLION LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION BOND BILL, SPONSORED BY CLA

Late yesterday afternoon, Senator Joe Simitian, who is one of the most vocal library supporters at the Capitol, introduced a $4 billion library construction and renovation bond measure. The bill, SB 156, is entitled the California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2008. SB 156 is sponsored by the California Library Association. Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, who, as members know, was very active in last year's bond campaign, is a principal co-author of SB 156.

SB 156 is the work product of an ad hoc committee of CLA Members and the Proposition 14 Steering Committee. The measure will be similar to the last proposed bond act (SB 1161-Alpert, which failed passage on the June 2006 ballot), except for the following:

The minimum amount per project has been increased from $50,000 to $500,000.

The maximum amount per project has been increased from $20 million to $30 million.

5% of the total bond amount will be made available for joint-use projects, rather than the specific $25 million set aside in the last bond act.

There will be no priority given to applicants submitted, but not funded, from the 2000 Bond Act (the so-called "Cycle 3" Applicants), as the committee felt too much time will have elapsed to make this provision appropriate. Thus, everyone will start on an even, competitive playing field with SB 156.

Upon hearing of the introduction of this bill, CLA President Margaret Donnellan Todd said, "The California Library Association is pleased to have such a strong library champion in Senator Joe Simitian, and we thank him for his willingness to shepherd this important library construction and renovation bond measure. The state is simply not keeping pace with the infrastructure needs of California's 20 million library users."

The Senator's bill will need to be in print for 30 days before it may be heard in its first policy committee. As has been standard practice, CLA's bond bills are typically assigned to the Senate Education Committee in the Senate. We will alert you when the bill is, in fact, assigned to committee and when you may begin writing members of the committee to urge their support of this important legislation. SB 156 will face substantial competition from other bond measures this year, as well as the Governor's own proposed $41 billion Strategic Growth Plan, a massive infrastructure bond package he is shopping, based on the success of his last bond package. Thus, the policy and fiscal committees will need to receive hundreds of letters on behalf of SB 156 in order to make the desired impact.

Special Note: In the coming days, Senator Simitian will be sending around a letter to his colleagues in the Legislature, asking them to be co-authors of his bond measure. If you are meeting with your legislator on Friday for "Day InThe District," please encourage him or her to sign on to the co-author letter or to call Senator Simitian's office directly. If you have already met with your legislators, you may wish to follow up with them.

II. BUDGET COMMITTEES ANNOUNCED - OVERVIEW OF GOVERNOR'S 2007-08 BUDGET BEGINS

The Assembly Budget and Senate Budget Committees have been named for the 2007 session. In the Senate, Denise Ducheny will serve as the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee while Senator Dennis Hollingsworth will return as the Vice Chair of the Budget Committee. In the Assembly, John Laird resumes his post as the Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, while Assemblyman Roger Niello will be a new face as the Vice Chair of the Budget Committee. These four appointments are significant, as they will likely be the designees for the powerful Budget Conference Committee that will convene over the summer months to debate the differences between the Assembly Budget, the Senate Budget, and the Governor's Budget.

In addition, Budget Subcommittees have been named in each house. The Education Budget Subcommittees have the jurisdiction over State Library issues, including the Public Library Foundation and Transaction Based Reimbursement. These important subcommittees will begin reviewing the Governor's January Budget in March, and will hear our library issues in March or April for a preliminary discussion. They will then make their final decision on the majority of the issues pending before their subcommittee after the Governor's May Revision is released in mid-May. You will recall that when the Governor released his January Budget, he was silent on any increases for the Transaction Based Reimbursement, but he did make a small reduction to the Public Library Foundation in the amount of $52,000. The $52,000 is intended to "initiate the California State Library's Integrated Library System Replacement Project," according to the Budget document. However, CLA believes that borrowing from the PLF source for this purpose is not appropriate, and we will be lobbying to request that the Administration, in working with the California State Library, create a separate Budget "line item" so that the monies come out of General Fund revenues to fund this program and not out of the Public Library Foundation baseline. In addition, CLA will be lobbying for a restoration of the $52,000 to the PLF, and will be requesting that the PLF baseline be increased. (The PLF currently stands at $21.3 million.)

Please take a moment today to write the members of the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees and urge their support to 1) restore the $52,000 that the Governor cut to the PLF, and 2) request that they continue increasing funding to this program that is woefully underfunded. (Full funding, according to statute, would require $94,217,000.)

SENATE BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE NUMBER ONE ON EDUCATION FINANCE
Senator Jack Scott, Chair
Senator Bob Margett, Member
Senator Joe Simitian, Member

Hearing Date: TBA

SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION:
BUDGET ITEM #: 6120-221-0001

Sample address:
The Honorable Jack Scott, Chair
Senate Budget Subcommitee Number One on Education Finance
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

We will let you know when official hearing dates are assigned and more details become available.

Posted by claadmin at 11:02 AM

January 23, 2007

Day in the District Talking Points

Day in the District is fast approaching! I hope you will be able to join the effort to make sure every California State Legislator has an opportunity to meet with library representatives on January 26th or February 2nd. Remember to register for appointments at www.legiday.net (username=member, password=member)!

The primary focus of Day in the District is to strengthen the relationship between legislators and the libraries in their District, however it also provides an opportunity to encourage the Legislator to support better funding for libraries state-wide.

The following "talking points" may be helpful as you prepare for your meetings:

Libraries across California provide reading resources, lifelong learning opportunities, career development, educational support, and access to technology and information to every California resident

Historically approximately 0.05% (or 1/2 of 1/10 of 1%!) of California's general fund moneys are directed to California libraries through the State Library for important services and programs such as:
- The Public Library Foundation (PLF) which provides a small amount of funding distributed on a per capita basis to every public library in the state. In 2006 PLF funding was approximately $0.57 per capita
- Transaction-based reimbursement (TBR) which promotes sharing of resources by reimbursing academic, public, and special libraries for a small portion of the cost of serving people from other jurisdictions through Inter-Library Loan and reciprocal "over the counter" borrowing arrangements
- Adult and Children's Literacy programs
- Library services and access to information for the blind, disabled, and other under-served populations
- Library services for the State Legislature and employees
- Preservation of historical documents, photos, and other resources

Studies in other states show that every $1 invested in library services delivers at least $4 in economic value to citizens

The California Library Association is working with Senator Joseph Simitian to prepare a new Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act for consideration by the Legislature. Please ask your Legislators for their support.

Remember that it can take some time for the Legislative Contact to set up the appointment. If the database does not yet list an appointment date and time with your Legislator please keep checking.

Thank you!

Kathy Gould, CLA Day in the District Coordinator

Day in the District Talking Points Flier (31k)

Posted by claadmin at 1:32 PM

January 10, 2007

Governor Releases Jan. 2007-08 Budget: Minor $52,000 Cut Proposed to PLF

TO: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From the Capitol

Shortly after 1 p.m. today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, aided by a set of crutches since his ski accident over the holidays, took to the stage at the Secretary of State's auditorium to present his January 2007-08 Budget. He joked with reporters briefly about the ski accident, noting that he has "pain, ongoing pain, 24 hours a day." But for the most part, the press conference took a serious tone as the Governor referred to his Budget as a "responsible Budget," and a "prudent and realistic Budget."

The Governor's Budget proposes to eliminate the net operating deficit completely, however he suggests doing so through ratifying controversial pending Indian gaming compacts (that failed during last year's end-of-session deliberations), recommends $324 million in cuts to the state's CalWORKs welfare-to-work program, repeal of the Teacher Tax Credit for a savings of $165 million, funding shifts in major transportation programs, etc. The Budget also notes there will be a "Budget reduction of $100 million to be allocated to all departments. The Department of Finance will work with Agency Secretaries and other cabinet members to achieve General Fund savings of $100 million in 2007-08."

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, in a press conference held shortly after 2:30 p.m., called the Governor's Budget "basically on the right track," but noted his strong opposition to some of the cuts, particularly in the areas of CalWORKS. Noted the Speaker, "The last thing we want to do is balance this Budget on the back of poor children and single mothers."

The State Library budget was held relatively harmless from reductions, as the overall State Library budget baseline remains essentially what it was last year. With regard to the Public Library Foundation and Transaction Based Reimbursement, despite our lobbying efforts of the Administration during the winter, we knew it would be difficult to see any increases in funding for these two programs in the January version of the Budget. The Transaction Based Reimbursement remains at approximately $19.5 million (no change) and the Public Library Foundation is funded in the amount of $21,308,000.

Please note that the PLF is proposed for a small $52,000 reduction to fund a State Library project, which is explained by the Governor's Office in the Budget document, as follows:

MAJOR PROGRAM CHANGES

The Budget provides $52,000 General Fund to initiate the California State Library's Integrated Library System Replacement Project.

The Budget shifts $52,000 from the Public Library Foundation in order to fund the initial stage of the Integrated Library System Replacement Project.

In February, the Legislative Analyst will release her "Perspectives and Initiatives" review of the Governor's Budget, and then in approximately mid March the Budget Subcommittees will begin the task of reviewing the Governor's Budget. Once the Subcommittee members are named, we will alert the field so that you may begin writing letters on behalf of increased funding for the Public Library Foundation.

Posted by claadmin at 3:39 PM

Day in the District

Library Legislative Day in the District will take place on Friday, January 26, 2007, and Friday, February 2, 2007. Day in the District provides an opportunity to meet with Legislators and their staff in their local offices and inform them about the important role libraries play in the lives of their constituents.

Often legislators are not aware of the broad range of services provided by libraries and the number of lives we touch every day. Day in the District provides a wonderful opportunity for you to establish a dialogue with legislators and their staff, to highlight the services that are important to residents of the communities you serve, and to discuss issues and challenges you face in providing those services.

This year over 1/3 of the members of the Assembly and over 1/4 of the members of the Senate are brand new! Day in the District is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to all of the great things your library is doing and help ensure their support.

Our network of legislative contacts is hard at work setting up appointments.

To register for an appointment with your legislator go to the Library Legislative Day in the District Online Database at: http://www.legiday.net.

At the login screen enter:
Account Name: member
Password: member

After you hit enter you will be taken to a new screen. Click on "legiday" to enter the database. This will take you to the Home Page for the Day in the District 2007.

For each legislator, click on either "View" or "Sign Up" to the left of the legislator's name to bring up a screen with the legislator's appointment information. You will then be prompted to enter your name and contact information. NOTE: If you are a member of CLA, CSLA, or CALTAC the database will automatically retrieve the contact information on record for you.

IMPORTANT #1: Always click the on-screen buttons to post information. Simply hitting the Return or Enter key on your keyboard may not work.

IMPORTANT #2: Always click the | Log Out | link when you are finished. If you leave the screen idle for more than 5 minutes you will be automatically logged out. The database can accommodate only 100 simultaneous users.

As you plan your participation in Day in the District, here are some things to keep in mind:

The focus of Day in the District is on fostering dialogue between local libraries and the legislators who represent the communities served by those libraries. Unlike Library Legislative Day in Sacramento we do not present formal position papers at Day in the District. Please come prepared to talk about your library and how you are making a difference in the lives of the Legislator’s constituents.
You may wish to bring brief handout materials, such as a brochure or newsletter, that highlight the services provided by your library and can be left behind for future reference by the legislator or staff.
Trustees, Commissioners, Board members, Friends, parents, students or other supporters are encouraged to attend. Please ensure that the names and affiliations of all representatives of your library are registered on the appointment website so that the contact person can let the legislator know who will be attending the meeting.

I hope you will be able to participate in this year's Day in the District!

Kathy Gould, Day in the District Coordinator

Posted by claadmin at 10:31 AM

November 17, 2006

Legislative Analyst's Fiscal Outlook

To: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

From: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: LEGISLATIVE ANALYST'S FISCAL OUTLOOK FOR NEXT FIVE YEARS

On Wednesday, the Legislative Analyst's Office issued a report containing projections of General Fund revenues and expenditures for 2006-07 through 2011-12. The LAO, in recent years, has developed this Fall report to assist the Legislature with its fiscal planning, by assessing the revenues and expenditures of the State. The report concludes that since there is a "modest" increase in revenues than estimated when the 2006-07 Budget was passed last June, the State will still face an operating shortfall in the range of $4.5 billion to $5 billion during the subsequent two fiscal years. In those subsequent years, the operating shortfall begins to decline, primarily as a result of repayments associated with the so-called "deficit-financing bonds," which were approved by the voters in March 2004.

In a cautionary statement, the Analyst notes, "It may be tempting for the State to rely heavily on the large carryover reserve balance and other one-time solutions to get through 2007-08. However, failing to meaningfully address the long-term fiscal imbalance would leave the state in a precarious position." To address the shortfall, the LAO suggests that certain savings could be achieved through the reduction or suspension of cost-of-living adjustments in a variety of areas, including health, social services, and trial courts, as well as suspension or elimination of certain tax credits, such as the Teacher's Tax Credit. Legislative leaders have expressed caution against funding new programs in light of the slight increase in revenues, and H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the Governor's Department of Finance, was quoted in The Sacramento Bee as saying that the DOF "had already begun turning down requests from state agencies to boost their budgets next year." In the meantime, the Governor and his staff continue to develop the 2007-08 Budget which will likely be released the week of January 8th.

Posted by claadmin at 3:47 PM

September 1, 2006

Senate and Assembly Close Out 2005-2006 Session

To: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

From: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From the Capitol

SENATE AND ASSEMBLY ADJOURN AT MIDNIGHT TO CLOSE OUT 2005-2006 SESSION
Issues Affecting Libraries On Their Way To Governor's Desk

Last night, as the clock approached midnight, hundreds of lobbyists lined the halls of the Capitol, monitoring countless bills pertaining to greenhouse gas emissions, tribal gaming compacts, the Assembly Speaker's cable bill benefiting AT&T and Verizon, and universal health coverage. Not unlike previous years, tensions were high between the two houses, and late-night games between the Senate and the Assembly, as they held each other's bills hostage for periods of time, were the order of the day. In the end, the Senate was able to plow through their list of bills and adjourn shortly after 10 p.m., while the Assembly worked until after midnight to tackle their workload. Heading down to the Governor's office for his consideration will be several bills affecting libraries, directly, or indirectly. Many of the measures were sitting somewhat idle until the last two weeks of session when they were activated with a series of amendments or procedures to resurrect them. They are as follows:

AB 2987-SPEAKER NUNEZ:"Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006" - also known as the "cable bill." The bill is sponsored by AT&T and Verizon, and a recent San Francisco Chronicle article notes that "state lobbying reports show that in April, May and June, AT&T and Verizon spent almost $19.7 million to influence the vote on AB 2987, an amount that astounds Capitol veterans." The bill was strongly opposed by the local government community, particularly the League of California Cities and CSAC, as well as CLA. Under current law, local governments are allowed to grant franchises to a cable television operator, and require certain concessions such as PEG (public, education, and government) channels, and non-discrimination components (must build-out to the entire community), etc. This bill replaces the local franchising process with a state process, and allows AT&T and Verizon to apply to the PUC for a franchise and by-pass the local government negotiations entirely. While the bill is extraordinarily complex, and, at one point, had more than 300 amendments incorporated into it, it should be noted that technology groups and CLA opposed the language pertaining to the PEG and I-Net. The bill was amended on August 23 and again on August 28, leaving lobbyists scrambling.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the bill passed the Senate and Assembly Floors overwhelmingly, as the lobbying efforts of AT&T and Verizon, and the strong influence of the Assembly Speaker as the author, were just too powerful. (Incidentally, Senate President pro Tem Perata, former Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and current Republican Leader George Plescia are also principal co-authors on the bill.) As the bill heads to the Governor, the final negotiation on the PEG and I-Net was as follows: "Current law authorizes local franchising authorities to negotiate channel set-asides for PEG access as well as support for PEG operations. Some local franchising authorities have also negotiated institutional networks (I-nets), which are communication networks used by local governments for their own communication purposes. This bill grandfathers in the existing PEG channel requirements, and authorizes all local franchising authorities to receive three PEG channels. In addition, the state of California is authorized to establish a PEG channel for state purposes. All local governments are authorized to impose via ordinance a one percent fee for PEG purposes. Those four percent of local governments that impose a fee for PEG support through their current franchise higher than one percent are authorized to impose that same level of fee after the franchise expires, but not to exceed three percent." (Senate Floor Analysis)

SB 682-MIGDEN: Sutro Library This bill was formerly an RFID (radio frequency identification) measure by Senator Simitian that was being held on the Assembly Appropriations "suspense file." Senator Migden went to Senator Simitian and asked if she could take the bill over in the final weeks of session and "gutted" the bill to use it as a vehicle. SB 682, as amended, would augment, by a total of $21 million, a prior authorization of $96 million in lease revenue bond financing for preliminary plans, working drawings, and construction of the J. Paul Leonard Library and Sutro Library joint project on the San Francisco Campus of the California State University. The bill passed the Senate last night on a vote of 32 "ayes" to 5 "noes." CLA is supporting this measure, which is on its way to the Governor.

AB 1388-RIDLEY-THOMAS: California Teleconnect Fund - This bill was introduced last year and then stumbled, and sat idle until the last two weeks of session. Specifically, the bill permits the California Public Utilities Commission to "establish two specific grant programs to provide advanced telecommunications network services to community technology programs and public libraries that deliver education services to pupils and health care facilities. The bill permits any funds repaid to the California Teleconnect Fund from the state General Fund to be used by the PUC for these programs." (Floor Analysis) CLA has been in support of AB 1388 for two years, and has been working with the supporters of the bill and the author's office, but it was not until recently that very defined language regarding public libraries was added to the measure. If the Governor were to sign the measure, CLA would have to work with all of the parties involved to help ensure that this item was funded through the annual budget process.

SB 768-SIMITIAN: RFID and the Research Bureau Study - You may recall that last year we reported to you at length about Senator Simitian's pursuit of a bill to regulate the usage of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology on state and local government cards, etc. His measure, SB 682 (now Senator Migden's Sutro library bill) was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee last year, and would have banned the use of the technology on drivers licenses, library cards, and government health benefit cards, to name a few. In addition, the bill created an onerous encryption requirement, recommended protective shields for the cards, and proposed a three year moratorium on the technology. Unable to move his SB 682, he amended a bill in September 2005, pertaining to "finfish," and turned it in to his old RFID measure.

SB 768 sat idle until two weeks ago when it was resurrected after an agreement was reached with the electronics industry, who had previously opposed Senator Simitian's measure. The industry had been backing AB 2561 by Assemblyman Torrico, which would have required the California Research Bureau to prepare a report, with the assistance of an advisory board, on the "best practices" for use of RFID technology in state and public issued cards. Senator Simitian had been involved in a series of negotiations regarding AB 2561, along with the Senate President pro Tem's office and Assembly Speaker's office. Eventually, it was decided that Senator Simitian's SB 768 would go forward, but it would also contain the California Research Bureau component study in Assemblyman Torrico's bill. (Mr. Torrico would then agree to drop his measure.) SB 768 was rushed to Senate Judiciary Committee for a late hearing on Monday, August 28. At the hearing, the opponents all removed their opposition, with the exception of HID, an RFID manufacturer, who said that they were still concerned with the "onerous provisions on the end user." While the study is a positive piece in the measure, the bill will still require posting requirements and other protective measures.

SB 768 is on its way to the Governor's Desk.

Posted by claadmin at 4:43 PM

June 30, 2006

Governor Signs Budget

To: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

From: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist
Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist

RE: News From the Capitol

I. GOVERNOR SIGNS BUDGET - GREAT DAY FOR LIBRARIES!
$7 MILLION FOR PLF AND $7 MILLION FOR TBR INCLUDED IN AB 1801

At 11:30 a.m. today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger held a press conference to announce he was signing the $131 billion 2006-07 State Budget in the Rotunda of the State Capitol, while flanked by the legislative leaders in each house and the two Budget Chairs. The Governor, wielding his pen, signed the Budget bill, AB 1801, at 11:50 a.m., and then posed for photos with Assembly Speaker Nunez and Senate President pro Tem Perata. Speaker Nunez called the Budget one that "reflects a shared vision for California - one that can be fiscally conservative, and compassionate." Assembly Republican Leader George Plescia praised the efforts of his colleagues, noting that in terms of his caucus' goals, "paying down debt was our number one priority." In a document released shortly before noon that accompanies the Governor's action on the State Budget, it states: "The 2006 Budget Act signed by Governor Schwarzenegger fulfills the two principal budget priorities he put forth in his May Revision - improving the State's fiscal health by; 1) paying down debt and building a reserve; and 2) fully funding education - while also providing critical funding for law enforcement, disaster preparation and services for abused and neglected children."

Thanks to the successful lobbying efforts by CLA, the strong support of the Governor and his Administration, and the action of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance and the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, today's Budget bill contains a significant increase in two important library programs - the Public Library Foundation and the Transaction Based Reimbursement. The Governor's Budget document released today states:

California State Library

"The Budget provides a $7 million General Fund increase to the Public Library Foundation (PLF) program and an additional $7 million General Fund increase to the transaction-based Interlibrary Loan and Direct Loan Program. The augmentation to the PLF will enhance base support for local libraries, allowing for longer hours of operation, the purchase of more books or expenditures for other local priorities. The increase to the Interlibrary and Direct Loan programs will allow local libraries to recoup costs incurred when libraries share resources with other library districts, thereby encouraging efficient resource allocation."

This important action by the Governor and the legislature brings the total baseline for the PLF to approximately $21.3 million and the total baseline for the TBR to approximately $18.6 million.

II. SCHOOL LIBRARIES BIG WINNERS AS WELL

The Budget also provides for funding for an Instructional Materials, School Libraries, and Education Technology Grant under the K-12 Proposition 98 portion of the Budget. $100 million is set-aside for this purpose and the Budget document reads as follows regarding this item:

Instructional Materials, School Libraries, and Education Technology Grants

"The Budget includes $100 million in one-time Proposition 98 funds for the purchase of instructional materials, school and classroom library materials and one-time technology costs. High-quality instructional materials for every student are a fundamental building block of a strong educational program and are required under the Williams settlement. These resources will help schools fill gaps in their instructional material programs and replace lost textbooks. Further, school libraries play a vital role in promoting academic achievement and providing instructional support. The resources provided in the Budget will help to replenish and refresh both school and classroom library materials. In addition to the purchase of books and materials, these funds are available for the purchase of one-time education technology which provides schools with many options for enhancing instruction through the use of electronic multimedia materials. Grants will be allocated to school districts and county offices of education on an equal amount p

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Legislative Analyst's Fiscal Outlook

September 1, 2006

Senate and Assembly Close Out 2005-2006 Session

June 30, 2006

Governor Signs Budget