California Library Association:

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.

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 and the outlook for State assistance to libraries in 2007 and 2008.

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 â€“ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Legislatorâ€™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 per pupil based on the number of pupils in kindergarten through grade 12."

III. SENATE COMMITTEE PASSES CABLE BILL - DEFERS ISSUE PERTAINING TO THE "PEG" AND LIBRARIES

Despite the fact that the Senate and Assembly were scheduled to depart for their month-long recesses after the conclusion of yesterday's Floor sessions, the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee held another hearing yesterday afternoon, to finish the work they began on AB 2987-Nunez, on Tuesday. You will recall from our memo to you earlier this week, that on Tuesday the Senate Committee held a three hour hearing on the very controversial measure, that is sponsored by AT&T and Verizon, which would enable the two telephone companies to enter into the local market without having to negotiate with cities and counties, as is currently allowed with traditional cable companies. Under the bill, the Public Utilities Commission would issue the new franchises and oversee the new process.

The hearing on Thursday afternoon lasted three hours - again! This time, the Chair, Senator Martha Escutia, noted that the rules of the hearing would change significantly. She stated, "On Tuesday, we had 100 supporters and 100 opponents. I know who the stakeholders are, and I want only a few stakeholders for each today." She then asked only the representatives for Verizon, AT&T, the cable industry, the League of Cities, and CSAC to come to the table. Speaker Nunez then thanked the committee members and staff for "all of the hard work and time that has gone in to the bill. There have been very legitimate concerns raised by the stakeholders." Speaker Nunez, flanked by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (a co-author on the bill and Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee) then went issue by issue through the bill and attempted to take amendments that would satisfy the concerns of the committee members and the opponents.

The bill became particularly complicated when it got to the issues of "build-out" and "non-discrimination" and how much AT&T and Verizon will have to commit to building in areas dominated by minority communities, etc. Similarly, the issues regarding the public, education, and government (PEG) channels and funding for Institutional networks, and such things as free drops to schools, public buildings and libraries, have become increasingly complex. The issues have been all lumped together by the committee as the "PEG debate." When we spoke to the Speaker's lead consultant on the PEG issue on Thursday, he said that the Speaker wasn't prepared to offer amendments in committee because of the complexity of the issue, and that it was "too hard to cut the pie here." He said he believed the committee would defer the issue and attempt to work on it during the July break and tackle it again when the Senate Appropriations Committee meets in August. Chair Escutia stated, "I had no idea what a PEG channel was before the hearing the other day and now we need to try to define how to keep the cities whole, how many channels, etc." Speaker Nunez stated, "I agree, this is a complicated matter. There are differing levels of PEG channels. Some communities are more sophisticated than others. Let's try to find a framework to develop an over-arching service that has a common thread." He then proposed working through the summer break with Senator Murray and Simitian on a solution. Said Senator Simitian, "I thank the Speaker. I represent an area where PEG is very important...I am not wild about abrogation. I wasn't in the room when that came up. But I think it is not appropriate for [the cable companies] to walk away from PEG when it is nickels and dimes in terms of a multi-million dollar contract obligation." Senator Cox said, "I would like to thank the Speaker for recognizing the importance of the PEG. Some communities are very far along in terms of the INet." It was then agreed that Senator Simitian and Senator Murray would head up the group that would lead the discussion on the PEG amendments during July, and would bring back something definitive for the Speaker to consider at the Senate Appropriations hearing in August.

The job of local government advocates has become much more difficult now that the cable companies, who were strongly against the bill, have negotiated amendments to serve their needs, and are now siding with AT&T and Verizon. Incidentally, the bill went out of committee on a bi-partisan vote yesterday of 9 "ayes" to 0 "noes." We will keep you posted.

Posted by claadmin at 2:22 PM

June 28, 2006

Budget Passes with Augmentation for PLF and TBR

To: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

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

RE: News From the Capitol

I. SENATE AND ASSEMBLY PASS BUDGET CONTAINING AUGMENATIONS FOR PLF AND TBR
Governor Schwarzenegger Expected To Sign Budget By Friday

Last night the Senate and Assembly reached agreement on a $131 billion Budget and brought the bill and related "trailer bills" to their respective floors for a vote shortly after 8 p.m. The Budget bill passed with relatively little drama - except in the Assembly where they were short a few Democrat members due to illness, and had to call for the vote on the Budget bill, AB 1801, three different times (close to 9:30 p.m.) until they received the requisite two-thirds vote for passage.

You may recall that several weeks ago, the powerful six member Budget Conference Committee had been diligently pouring through the Budget document, trying to reconcile the differences between the Governor's January Budget, the Governor's May Revision, the Assembly version of the Budget, and the Senate version of the Budget. However, on Saturday, June 10, they reached a virtual impasse on the "sticking points," that would need to be resolved by the so-called "Big 5" which consists of the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, Senate President pro Tem, Assembly Republican Leader, and Senate Republican Leader. Republicans were concerned that the Conference Committee product was "bloated" and contained too many new state administrative positions. In addition, they objected to the inclusion in the Budget of funding for health care for "undocumented" children. Not only had the Conference Committee included money for this purpose, but the Governor had also included money in his Budget for undocumented children. Recently, the stalemate on this issue ended when Democrats dropped their decision to fund this item, and the Governor apparently decided to eliminate this line item from his Budget as well.

The Budget bill, AB 1801, contains a $7 million increase in funding for the Public Library Foundation. This would bring the total amount of funding for the program to $21.3 million (see page 553: 6120-221-0001). AB 1801 also contains a $7 million augmentation for the Transaction Based Reimbursement which will bring the total amount of funding for the program to $18.6 million for the "Direct Loan and Interlibrary Loan Programs." (see page 553: 6120-211-0001).

II. AB 2987-NUNEZ: THE MONSTER CABLE BILL AFFECTING...LIBRARIES?

AB 2987, authored by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee, and sponsored by AT&T and Verizon, would enable the two telephone companies to enter into the local market without having to negotiate with cities and counties, as is currently allowed with traditional cable companies. AT&T is putting a huge amount of resources behind this bill, as evidenced by the never-ending television ads you have been inundated with over the last few months. The bill passed its initial committee, Assembly Utilities and Commerce, after a two-hour hearing, on a bi-partisan vote of 9 "ayes" to 0 "noes" and 1 abstention - mostly due to the influence of the powerful Assembly Speaker. It passed the Assembly Floor 77 to 0.

There is a huge "turf war" going on between the proponents (AT&T and Verizon) and the opponents (the traditional cable companies, i.e. Comcast, etc.) In addition, the League of California Cities and the County Supervisors Association expressed strong concerns with the bill during the policy committee hearing. You may be wondering what a bill between competing cable companies has to do with public libraries?

As you are aware, cities, for example, can charge a franchise fee of up to 5% of gross revenues that can be used for any general fund purpose. (It is like a rental charge on the public right-of-way, as the streets are torn up to put the cable in place.) Additionally, they may charge an additional percent of gross revenues, usually ranging from 1 percent to 3 percent for public, education, and government (PEG) channels, which can include televising city council meetings, etc. Under AB 2987, local governments lose the power to negotiate, and:
1) "A community may only keep the PEG channels that are currently activated in accordance with the requirements of the existing franchise.
2) The bill imposes a future ceiling of three PEG channels for communities that currently have no PEG channels.
3) In addition, when an existing franchise term expires, and in all cases where there are no PEG channels and resources in existing franchises, PEG funding and support opportunities, are severely limited by the state franchise approach as envisioned by AB 2987. PEG funding is limited to the lower of 1% of gross revenues or the amount of capital-related PEG funding required in the expiring franchise.
4) Requirements for free drops to schools, public buildings and libraries are not included as permissible state franchise obligations under AB 2987." [Source: Sue Buske, Alliance for Community Media, National Board]

The CLA Legislative Committee, Chaired by Terri Maguire, took an "oppose unless amended" position on the bill, and directed us to work collaboratively with CSAC and the League of Cities as the bill moved through the process. The bill has been one of the most fascinating bills we have ever been directed to work on, on behalf of CLA - mostly in terms of its importance and enormity in the State Capitol. To give it some perspective, former Senate President pro Tem John Burton and Senator Dede Alpert have been retained to lobby on behalf of the opponents, while the proponents have retained lobbyists such as former Democratic Leader Senator Richard Polanco, former Republican Leader Senator Jim Brulte, several lobbying firms with ties to Governor Schwarzenegger, etc. CLA has been part of a coalition of local government lobbyists and representatives called the "Telecommunications Equality Coalition" and we have been meeting in person or via conference call regularly to discuss strategy or meet with legislators on the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee.

The Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee heard the bill on Tuesday morning. The members of the committee have been bombarded with lobbying from both sides, and their over-riding message to all of us has been, "We understand you don't like the bill, but where are your amendments!?" One Senator indicated, "The franchise train has left the station. Do you want to be in the First Class part of the train? Or the caboose?" Her representative explained that she was attempting to help local government achieve their objective, but wanted concrete solutions by way of amendments. During the hearing this Tuesday, literally hundreds of lobbyists and representatives from the local government community swarmed the hallways outside of Room 112 at the Capitol to testify in support and opposition to AB 2987. The mass of people was so great, that the sergeants actually opened "overflow" rooms where lobbyists could watch the hearing on t.v., since many hundreds could not get physically in to the hearing room, due to fire code violations.

Assembly Speaker Nunez, in his opening remarks, stated, "This bill creates a level playing field for market competitors. It also continues to provide PEG channels, which we think is a real positive thing, and we want that to continue." He addressed a series of problems in the bill, acknowledged that he would be willing to take amendments relative to placing the bill under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission, would allow cable companies to abrogate contracts, would more clearly define "gross revenues," and would strengthen language regarding fees versus taxes. He added, "There are a lot of other outstanding issues, including how to fund the PEG, and Institutional networks, but I am committed to working on that."

Both Chair, Senator Martha Escutia and Senator Kevin Murray expressed their concern that the bill creates disadvantages for minority communities, and that AT&T and Verizon would have no incentive to develop their markets in low income, minority neighborhoods. Said Chair Escutia, "I am not going to allow a bill to get out of my committee without protecting poor people. It is important to never forget our roots." With countless representatives coming forward to oppose the provisions in the bill pertaining to the PEG language, Senator Escutia said, "I am not going to have this discussion on PEG anymore. I am making an executive decision that Senator Murray, as Chair of Senate Appropriations will address this issue in his committee in August." Senator Joe Simitian, a friend to public libraries and schools, said, "Madame Chair, if we are not going to have the full discussion today, will you allow me to be a participant in the discussion? What we don't want to do is push back in terms of the potential for the PEG." Senator Escutia concurred and said, "Agreed, I'd like to craft something that makes sense."

In a surprising twist, after a three hour hearing, no vote was taken on the bill, and instead, Senator Escutia announced she would hold a hearing this Thursday morning, after the Senate Floor adjourns. She added, "We are going to address every issue. My goal is to address those to the satisfaction of the Chair and the members on both sides of the aisle." Each member of the committee then gave a closing statement. Senator Joe Dunn stated, "We have come a long way and Thursday will be critical. But I am reminded (when I hear) 'We will get a better price via competition...' Those were the words of Ken Lay. So I am dubious." Senator Dave Cox said, "I am looking forward to getting into the inner workings of PEG. The devil is in the details and we need to go line by line so we don't put out a product that comes back to haunt us." Senator Battin closed by offering, "The cities need to come to a position. They are beating a dead horse on the PEG. That should be able to be worked out quickly. If that is the bulk of their opposition, then there is no 'there' there!" We will keep you posted.

Posted by claadmin at 4:59 PM

June 8, 2006

CLA Statement on Proposition 81

The California Library Association is deeply disappointed in the defeat of Proposition 81, the Library Bond Act. A library is the heart of every community, and a necessary cornerstone of learning. This loss is a setback for dozens of cities and towns throughout the state who have no library, or a library that is too antiquated to serve its community's growing need for information. According to the California State Library, more than 500 public library building projects are needed within the next five years to meet the skyrocketing demands for library services. Though we are disheartened by the results of the ballot, the California Library Association will continue its commitment to advocate for California's libraries, and we will work with our elected officials and communities to create 21st century libraries and services throughout our state.

Margaret Miles
President, California Library Association

UPDATE
Prop 81 in the news:

Tougher times blamed for rejection of library measure

Bond failure forces cities to drop plans or seek other funds

Library plans have tragic ending

Bond measure defeat hurts library plans

Posted by claadmin at 11:42 AM

May 24, 2006

Budget Subcommittees Wrap-Up Work

To: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

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

RE: News From The Capitol

Both Houses Approve $7 million for PLF and $7 million for TBR in Governor's May Revision of Budget

As of early last evening, the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees on Education Finance have now both completed their work, and are sending their final recommendations of the Governor's January Budget and subsequent May Revision on to the full Budget Conference Committee for consideration.

You may recall that in January, Governor Schwarzenegger proposed no change to the baseline amount of the Public Library Foundation, which currently stands at $14.3 million. However, due to our lobbying efforts and the grass roots lobbying efforts of CLA members, the Governor elected to augment the PLF by $7 million in the May Revision of his Budget. Increasing funding for the PLF was considered a "top priority" by CLA, and the Governor's action would bring the total funding level for the program to slightly more than $21 million. In addition, CLA had requested that we pursue additional funding for the Transaction Based Reimbursement program. Similarly, we were successful in convincing the Administration that TBR was a program worthy of funding in the May Revise. The Governor added $7 million to the TBR baseline in the May Revise, bringing the total proposed funding level for the TBR to approximately $19.5 million.

Last Thursday, the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance reviewed the Governor's May Revise and January Budget and voted to approve the $7 million increase for the PLF and the $7 million for the TBR, with Senator Jack Scott (Chair) and Senator Joe Simitian voting in support of the motion. Senator Bob Margett, the Republican member of the subcommittee abstained, stating in committee, "It is not that I am not supportive of libraries, but we have a deficit coming up and I am looking for every nickel and penny."

In the Assembly Budget Subcommittee, one subcommittee member asked us if we would come forward to again explain some of the services that could be provided with the dollars under the Public Library Foundation. She had some specific questions regarding programs offered, and we were able to assist her during our testimony. The subcommittee then subsequently augmented the PLF by $7 million. Similarly, the subcommittee also approved the Governor's May Revise as it pertains to the TBR for a $7 million increase.

The powerful Budget Conference Committee will likely convene next Wednesday to start reconciling the differences between the Assembly version of the Budget and the Senate version of the Budget. While conferees have not yet been named, more than likely they will be: Senator Wes Chesbro (the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee), Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (the Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee), and potentially Senator Kevin Murray (the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee). On the Assembly side the conferees will likely be Assemblyman John Laird (the Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee), Assemblyman Rick Keene (the Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee), and Assemblywoman Judy Chu (the Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee). There is a strong possibility that the PLF issue and the TBR issue may not even be part of the Budget Conference Committee negotiations this year, as the dollar amounts match in both the Senate and Assembly versions, and there is agreement in the Governor's office. This would be good news in terms of being able to potentially avoid our usual "Budget fight" during the hot, summer months. However, we still have a long way to go and will continue to monitor the Budget closely to make sure that the PLF and TBR dollar amounts stay in tact throughout the often tumultuous process. We will keep you posted!

Posted by claadmin at 3:45 PM

May 12, 2006

Governor's May Revision of State Budget is Great News for Libraries

To: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

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

RE: News From the Capitol

GOVERNOR'S MAY REVISION OF STATE BUDGET IS GREAT NEWS FOR LIBRARIES
Governor Proposes $7 million increase for PLF and $7 million more for TBR

Shortly after 1 p.m. this afternoon, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled his much anticipated May Revision of the State Budget at the Secretary of State's auditorium before a large audience of the press corps. Due to a tremendous surge in April tax receipts, mostly from capital gains, revenues are up significantly from the Governor's January Budget - $4.8 billion in the current year, and $2.7 billion in the Budget year, for a projected total of $7.5 billion. The Governor opened his presentation by stating he was, "Very excited about this Budget," but quickly cautioned that with the increase in revenues, he would be supporting a "prudent approach." He noted that with a sizeable Budget windfall, "it can be very tough to exercise discipline and caution," and highlighted that his Budget would focus on 1) investing in education, 2) setting aside a reserve for a "rainy day fund" ($2.2 billion), and 3) paying down the state deficit.

The Governor said that it was a "Budget that was much more than just dollars and cents, more than just ledger sheets. It is an expression of values and who we really care about." CLA is pleased that the Governor then feels that two programs within the State Library are valuable enough to have received much needed proposed augmentations in the May Revision - the Public Library Foundation and the Transaction Based Reimbursement. CLA has been lobbying the Governor's Office on these two items and we were hopeful that they might receive favorable consideration. However, we knew that competition for available dollars - even with the Budget surplus - was tight, and that an augmentation for both the PLF and TBR was a long-shot. Today's action by the Governor and his staff is great news indeed!

Here is the specific text from the Governor's May Revision:

"California State Library:
The May Revision provides a $7 million General Fund increase to the Public Library Foundation (PLF) program and an additional $7 million General Fund increase for 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 on 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. This program encourages efficient resource allocation and is worthy of increased support."

The Budget also contains additional funding for school libraries contained in the "Classroom and School Library Reading Block Grant." $75 million of Proposition 98 General Fund money is provided for the purchase of school library materials to "help to replenish and refresh both school and classroom library materials." Of the $75 million, "$25 million is reserved for kindergarten through grade 4, and $50 million for grades 5 through 12."

Next week the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance and the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance will review the Governor's May Revision and will determine whether or not they agree with this recommendation by the Governor regarding these two programs. We will be lobbying the two subcommittees to retain the $7 million augmentation for the PLF and the $7 million for the TBR, and if successful, will then need to make our case to the powerful six member Budget Conference Committee. (When the Budget Conference Committee appointees have been officially named we will alert you so you may write the members.)

In the meantime - thank you Governor Schwarzenegger!!

Posted by claadmin at 2:16 PM

May 9, 2006

Library Cheer!

By popular demand, we are providing the text to the cheer led by Margaret Miles, CLA President, at our Annual Library Legislative Day:

(leader says what's in caps, crowd say what's in lower-case. Everybody says hip-hip-hooray!)

L-I-B-R-A-R-Y

l-i-b-r-a-r-y

I SAID L-I-B-R-A-R-Y!

l-i-b-r-a-r-y

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR POETRY?

l-i-b-r-a-r-y

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR HISTORY?

l-i-b-r-a-r-y

WHERE DO YOU GO IF YOU'RE OLD AND SHY?

l-i-b-r-a-r-y

WHERE DO YOU GO TO LEARN HOW TO FLY?

l-i-b-r-a-r-y

I SAY LIBRARY, YOU SAY CARD

LIBRARY

card

LIBRARY

card

I GOT ONE, AND IT WASN'T TOO HARD

LIBRARY

card

LIBRARY

card

BIG BRICK BUILDING HOW SWEET IT LOOKS
SO TAKE ME IN TO THE LAND OF BOOKS
TO THE L-I-B-R-A-R-Y

l-i-b-r-a-r-y

IT'S BEEN IN YOUR TOWN FOR A HUNDRED YEARS,
LET'S GIVE YOUR LIBRARY THREE BIG CHEERS!

hip-hip-hooray!

CLA President Margaret Miles leads the Annual Library
Legislative Day attendees in a cheer before they head
out to their meetings with legislators.

Posted by claadmin at 12:00 PM

May 5, 2006

Senate Budget Subcommittee Considers PLF and TBR

To: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

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

RE: News From the Capitol

SENATE BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS CONSIDER PLF AND TBR
Senator Calls Library Funding A "Top Priority"

This week the Senate Budget Subcommittee Number One on Education Finance considered the budget for the State Library, which included the issues of increased funding for the Public Library Foundation (PLF) and Transaction Based Reimbursement (TBR). After a very brief introduction of the issues by subcommittee Chairman Senator Jack Scott, the subcommittee took testimony and then agreed to place the PLF and the TBR on the so-called "checklist" until after the May Revision is released next Friday. The "checklist" is a method by which the subcommittee will indicate initial interest or support of an item, and then will withhold action on that item until they can obtain a better sense of the state revenue projections, which come available on May 12, when the Governor releases his "May Revision" of the State Budget. The subcommittee will then re-open the issues that they have "checklisted" over the past few weeks, and as they approach the Memorial Day weekend, or even in to the first week of June, will complete final recommendations regarding which items they believe they can or cannot fund.

Chairman Scott began with some opening remarks and then asked the representative from the Legislative Analyst's Office to comment on the status of the PLF. Steve Boillard from the LAO, stated, "At a time when we are expanding other programs in the Budget, we recommend this program as a strong candidate for available dollars that you are considering." Chairman Scott then referenced our now-famous "75 percent cut chart" where we indicate how the PLF was funded at its historic high level of $56 million level in 2000-01 and its current low level of $14.3 million. Said Chairman Scott, "No question about it, the PLF has taken quite a hit." A representative for the Department of Finance called the State Library Budget a "stay-the-course budget" and noted that there were "no cuts and no increases." State Librarian Susan Hildreth offered that while that was in fact true that the State Library Budget was kept status quo, an "increase in funding would be greatly appreciated."

CLA then testified, noting that we were "preaching to the choir" as we were appealing to some of the strongest library supporters in the Capitol in Senators Jack Scott, Joe Simitian, and Bob Margett. We added that full funding for the PLF was the number one priority for the association, and that additionally we would like to have the TBR considered for funding as well. We gave some brief history of the cuts sustained by the PLF in recent years, and how the money is used by public libraries throughout the state. Senator Scott thanked us for the testimony and then noted that the PLF and the TBR would be placed on the "checklist" and considered for possible funding after the May Revision is released.

Subcommittee member and former CLA Legislative "Member of the Year" recipient, Joe Simitian then interjected, "I know where the Chair is on this. The amounts on this (being requested) are miniscule in the big picture, but in this case, they translate into direct service." Senator Simitian then added, "My experience [with the PLF] and the TBR - because they are dollars that are used right there at the margin - they are carefully used and seen right up front...and highly valued. The Governor's Budget talks about the value of literacy, and I would just urge the Administration to take a look at this for the May Revision. This is at the top of my list for one of my highest priorities."

Chairman Jack Scott offered, "I applaud Senator Simitian for his comments. We look to public libraries throughout our lives. When we can't purchase books and electronic materials we can't serve our public. I think we should consider an augmentation."

It is important to note that despite indications that state revenues are up due to higher than expected April tax receipts, legislators have already began cautioning that the legislature should not go on a "spending frenzy." Several leaders, including Senate President pro Tem Don Perata, have been quoted as saying, "We're going to learn the lesson from 2000. We're going to be very, very careful and determine how much of this is one-time money and then apply it only to one-time expenditures. We seem to follow the business cycle and sooner or later there is going to be a downturn." And, newly elected Assembly Republican Leader George Plescia added, "The first priority is to pay down the debt the state has, whether that is paying back what we borrowed from transportation programs or the schools." (source: San Francisco Chronicle, May 2, 2006).

If there is a proposed augmentation to the PLF, it will likely be modest in nature, and will potentially have to go to the larger six-member Budget Conference Committee, for full consideration. And, as always, if the funding survives the Budget process, it must also survive the Governor's so-called "blue pencil" veto authority. Since the Governor's office is so important to the process, the CLA leadership met with the Governor's Chief Deputy for Education on CLA Legislative Day. President Margaret Miles, President-Elect Margaret Donnellan Todd, Executive Director Susan Negreen, CLA Legislative Chair Terri Maguire, and CLA Lobbyists Mike and Christina Dillon spoke of the importance of increasing the funding levels for the PLF and TBR. CLA felt the meeting with the Governor's representative was positive, and we had additional time to speak with him about the library bond measure as well.

CLA will continue to lobby all members of the Budget subcommittees and the Governor's office in the coming weeks.

Posted by claadmin at 12:20 PM

April 12, 2006

Join Me for Library Legislative Day!

Submitted by Margaret Miles, CLA President

California Library Legislative Day is fast approaching! I invite you to join me on April 26 for the opportunity to meet with your local legislators and communicate to them the importance of libraries in your community.

Even more important than what we as librarians say about libraries is what our patrons say. We obviously have a vested interest in seeing libraries funded. After all, if our budgets are cut, we may be out of a job. Our patrons, our volunteers, and our Friends of the Library members are people who don't get paid to care; conversely, many of them give a great deal in terms of time and donations to support the services they find so valuable. I encourage you to bring a member of your community with you to Legislative Day, someone who "cares for free." This not only gives them a chance to raise their voice for libraries, but it provides you with a wonderful publicity item for your local media. Ask your Friends of the Library group to sponsor a student, a member of your governing Board, or one of their own, and make sure they bring a
camera!

Be sure to register online and rsvp for appointments with your legislators.

Posted by claadmin at 1:57 PM

April 4, 2006

National Library Week

To: CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts

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

RE: News From the Capitol

SENATOR TORLAKSON INTRODUCES RESOLUTION CELEBRATING
"NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK"

At CLA's request, Senate Democratic Caucus Chair, Tom Torlakson, has introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 110, celebrating April 2 through April 8, 2006 as "National Library Week." The resolution "applauds the vital impact of California's public libraries, librarians, and all library workers," and contains several important "WHEREAS" clauses that highlight the numerous contributions that public libraries make statewide.

You may recall, Senator Torlakson has carried past legislation relative to ERAF relief for libraries, and has served as the former Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee, where he became one of the principle architects of Proposition 65 (later became known as Proposition 1A), which provided ERAF relief to cities, counties, and special districts. A special "thank you" to Senator Torlakson and his Legislative Director, Jennifer Swenson, for their work on our behalf!

The bill was amended on April 3, 2006 to include an important "WHEREAS" that was crafted in conjunction with the literacy community, and Carey Gross of the CLA Legislative Committee. The bill will head to the Assembly this week so that principal co-author, Assemblywoman Wolk, will have the opportunity to take it up in her house as well, and then it will be returned to the Senate.

You may view a copy of the resolution at www.senate.ca.gov. Click on "legislation" and enter "scr 110" in the subject box.

Posted by claadmin at 1:05 PM

March 22, 2006

Join Us for Library Legislative Day!

Please join us in Sacramento for Library Legislative Day on Wednesday, April 26th!

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
Support for the Library Construction Bond Act (Proposition 81)
Funding for the California State Library
Establishment of School Library Content Standards (AB 2065)
State purchase of electronic resources for school libraries (AB 2540)

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.

Registration for Library Legislative Day is a 2 step process:

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.

Go to http://www.csla.net/legimembers for appointment dates and times and to add your name to the appointment list for specific legislators.

Our network of legislative contacts is busy making appointments with the legislators and 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.

Please sign up for appointments by Friday, April 21st 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 have been developed for key legislative issues and are posted on the CLA and CSLA websites. Prior to traveling to Sacramento you are encouraged to check the websites 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.
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.

See you in Sacramento!

Kathy Gould
Legislative Day Coordinator

Posted by claadmin at 11:33 AM

March 20, 2006

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. ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE LISTENS TO OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION ISSUE

Late Wednesday the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance Number Two met to hear a presentation on higher education issues and State Library issues contained in Governor Schwarzenegger's January Budget. Included in the State Library presentation was discussion on the Public Library Foundation. Formal action on the item has been deferred by the subcommittee until after the Governor's May Revision is released in mid May.

State Librarian Susan Hildreth began a brief overview of the State Library's general budget, noting that she was "very pleased that there were no cuts" to the department's Budget. She also thanked the subcommittee for their past efforts to support the "Books for the Blind" program and noted the success of the program and that the "implementation was going well." She then indicated that one of the "most important local assistance programs is the Public Library Foundation, and the program has taken a number of cuts." Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg, a member of the subcommittee commented, "A couple of years ago, I recall that the PLF had a much larger budget. What was that number?" Subcommittee Chairman Mervyn Dymally then noted, "Mr. Dillon just happens to have a chart here," wherein we produced the now-famous "75% cut chart" showing the sizeable reduction that the PLF has sustained since 2001-02, when the PLF baseline was at $58 million. Assemblywoman Goldberg then asked about the actual usage of the PLF dollars at libraries. State Librarian Hildreth responded that the dollars were used for various purposes, including Homework Help Centers, the purchase of books and materials, staffing, hours, etc. Chairman Dymally said, "Reflecting upon these cuts - it is a sad commentary on the emphasis we have placed on libraries."

Steve Boilard, representing the Legislative Analyst's Office, said, "Even though this year's Budget makes no cut to the PLF, it is still a $70 million cut in essence." (Referencing the fact that the PLF, if fully funded, would be approximately $85 million.) He added, "A few more dollars to the PLF would bring you strong returns. The point I was trying to make earlier (during his testimony on the higher education Budget), was you could opt to make better choices later with the Budget dollars." We are having discussions with the Analyst on possible sources of funding for the PLF from other areas in the Budget.

CLA then testified, citing some of the past history of how the PLF went from the $58 million to the current $14.3 million, and the additional cuts libraries endured in the wake of the passage of Proposition 13 and the SDAF (Special District Augmentation Fund) shifts in past years. We asked for the committee's consideration for additional funds, if revenue projections continue to improve, as is expected, when the May Revision is released.

CLA has also submitted, in its letter to the subcommittee, a request for additional funding for Transaction Based Reimbursement as a second priority.

II. THE NEXT STEP - LETTERS REQUESTED!

The Senate Budget Subcommittee Number One on Education Finance will be hearing the PLF issue on Monday, May 1 at 1:30 p.m. We would encourage you to begin writing letters to these three Senators today, to encourage their strong support of additional funding for the PLF. Traditionally, these Senators have been excellent supporters of libraries, and have each spoken out in favor of the PLF annually in this subcommittee. However, competition is tight for dollars this year and they still need to hear from you!

Please take a moment today to write the following members:

Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance Number One:
Senator Jack Scott, Chair
Senator Bob Margett, Member
Senator Joe Simitian, Member

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

In your letters, please indicate support for Budget Item: 6120-221-0001: Public Library Foundation, and request that the subcommittee provide additional funding to the baseline amount. (Currently at $14.3 million. Full funding of the PLF would be approximately $85 million.)

In addition, we would appreciate your letters to members of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance Number Two as well. As we mentioned above, the subcommittee will be waiting until the Governor's May Revision is released before they make final recommendations regarding the PLF, so the Assembly subcommittee will need to hear from you too.

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance Number Two:

Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally, Chair
Assemblywoman Wilma Chan
Assemblyman Joe Coto
Assemblywoman Lynn Daucher
Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg
Assemblyman Bob Huff

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

We will continue to keep you updated as to the progress of the subcommittees.

Posted by claadmin at 10:49 AM

March 7, 2006

Campaign for Prop 81 Gears Up

Librarians and library advocates across the state have organized a grassroots effort to pass Proposition 81, the $600 million library construction and renovation bond measure that will be on the ballot in June 2006.

The campaign steering committee, chaired by Solano County Librarian Ann Cousineau, has mobilized a system of regional and county coordinators to pass the measure. Advocates will be stressing the following key messages about the importance of approving the bond:

Local libraries are in need. A needs assessment by the State Library has found that there are more than 500 public library projects needed in the next five years. Many communities have no local library, despite significant population growth.
Libraries are safe places for children. We see this in libraries all over the state as children pour in to seek homework help, work on research projects, and study.
The bond measure is not a tax increase. It is bonded with indebtedness the state repays over a number of years, but is not an increase to either property or sales tax. None of this funding can be used for local governments for administrative overhead.
Local dollars for local services. The bond reduces the amount that cities, counties, and library districts need to devote to capital costs, thus increasing the amount of local dollars that can be used to fund operational programs including collection development, literacy, senior services, and childrenâ€™s programming.

We need your help. The library bond measure will NOT simply pass on its merits. It will take the involvement of many people across the state. Please consider helping in the following ways:

Give to the campaign, if you have not done so already. The campaign is still far short of its goal for the resources needed to effectively push for the measure.

Hold a fundraiser in your area and invite other people to come and contribute to the campaign.

Talk to your co-workers and ask that they also support the bond.

Friends and foundations--urge these groups to make a contribution and to generate support for the bond.

Secure endorsements from city councils, boards of supervisors, school boards and other local groups.

And finally--Vote for Prop 81.

For more information on the campaign to pass Prop 81, please go to Yesforlibraries.com.

Posted by claadmin at 9:35 AM

February 14, 2006

ALA Council Report

Submitted by Jackie Griffin, California Chapter Councilor

Mario Gonzalez from Greenwich Public Library, CT, Terri G. Kirk, from Reidland High School, Paducah, KY, and Roberta Stevens from the Library of Congress were elected to the Executive Board.

Gerald Hodges
Gerald was a special friend to ALA Chapters and to the membership. He was a longtime ALA staff member and many of us knew him and his winning smile. Gerald died shortly before ALA. He will be sorely missed.

Certified Public Library Administrators Program (CPLA)
The CPLA program is up and running. This provides an ALA certification to public library administrators who already have a master's degree from an ALA accredited library school and at least 3 years of supervisory experience. Applications to participate in this program are now being accepted by ALA and providers of the required courses were approved at this conference. Contact me for additional information.

Leslie Burger's Presidential Initiative
Leslie Burger will become president of ALA in June. She has chosen as her theme: Libraries Transform Communities. It will focus on leadership development, policy development, salaries and education, tips for transforming libraries, and expansion of the library advocacy network.

Group Call-In to Congress
On Wednesday morning between during a council meeting break, we had a group call-in to Congress - literally. President Michael Gorman led us, while being filmed, in calling his Congress person and asking for support of revisions in the USA Patriot Act.

ALA COUNCIL MEETINGS

ALA council met three times for many hours. It considered both issues of interest and concern to the entire profession and somewhat arcane issues related to the operation of the association.

Here are the major resolutions we considered, how I voted, and the outcome of the discussion.

Resolution on the Instructional Classification of School Librarians. There is a movement around the country for state legislatures to pass a law under the general title of "65% solution." Background on this issue can be found at http://www.schoolmatters.com/pdf/65_paper_schoolmatters.pdf.

I'm sure if you just search Google under "65 percent solution" you can find additional information. In summary, this "solution" says that 65% of each dollar should go to classroom activities. School libraries are not officially so defined as classrooms by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), which is the official federal agency that defines educational activities. These are used primarily for the collection of statistics but impacts also how money is allocated. We have been told, but again I've not verified this, that NCES has issued an interpretation of their definitions that says that school libraries are indeed classrooms but that they cannot officially change the definition until NCES goes through a reauthorization process.

Here is a summary of the resolves:

ALA communicate regularly with state Governors about the "critical need for them to demonstrate their commitment to quality education for every child by including school libraries in all state education priorities and rejecting publicly any policy that would dismantle school libraries and reduce or eliminate the staffing of those libraries by state-certified school librarians."

Inform state legislators that school libraries should be included in any definition of classroom Work with NCES to change the definition

I voted yes. The resolution passed.

Dues increase
ALA Treasurer Teri Switzer gave a brief presentation.

She said it had been 11 years since last dues increase. The recent strategic planning effort at ALA, ALA Ahead 2010 had over 20,000 members providing input. Members told ALA that they wanted more programs and more support for their favorite causes at ALA. They want more support for local advocacy to improve funding and for advocacy training. In order to provide all of these services, ALA needs a strong foundation on which to build. ALA's Executive Board and leadership endorse this dues increase. ALA is barely holding its own now. There has been a 30% reduction in purchasing power since 2000. Budgets have been flat for 5 years. ALA has reached its financial limit. ALA cannot be all we need it to be and want it to be without stepping up to the plate and contributing more to our dues.
ALA members will be asked to vote on the dues increase this spring.

Here is the proposal in brief.

Regular membership up $10 per year for 3 years.

Library support staff members raises $3 per year for three years.

Trustee and Associate members raises $5 the first year, then $4, then $5 for a total of $11 Student members (limited to 5 years) raises $3 the first year, then $2, then $3 for a total of $8.

Other members (which includes retired) raises $4 the first year, $3 the second and $4 the third for a total of $11.

I voted yes. The resolution passed.

Treasurer's Report
ALA had a fairly good year LAST year due to holding positions open. This was a one-time saving and led to the ability to pay off some long term loans. However, to move forward with long term goals and plans, more revenue is desperately needed. Treasurer Teri Switzer shared this information with us:

$1.00 in 2000 is worth $1.25 in 2005.
Revenues of $43 m should really be $50 m to keep growing programs. In 2000, ALA significantly invested in technology - it is now time to replace the equipment and software. ALA payroll has decreased by $500,000. ALA needs people to continue to offer programs that ALA members say they want. Reserves are Â½ of what they were in 2000. At the same time, the ALA Washington Office, and ALA members, are being asked to deal with significant issues: Patriot Act and privacy; CALEA that requires telecommunications carriers to enable law enforcement's legitimate wiretapping requests; Digital TV bills; E-rate; LSTA and other library funding; Social legislation ALA's continuing priorities are: Diversity; Equitable access to information and library services; Education and lifelong learning; Intellectual Freedom Advocacy for libraries and the profession; Literacy; Organizational excellence. All of this leads to the same conclusion: the dues need to be increased as well as economies continued.

Resolution on a Graduated Dues Structure. There was also a resolution recommending a study of a graduated dues structure, and other funding alternatives, with a report due in 2007. Before it could even be discussed, it was moved to refer the resolution to BARC (The Budget Analysis and Review Committee). There were several reasons for the referral. First, we had just passed a resolution for a dues increase. The Membership Committee had studied this issue already. Second, while there was agreement that other sources of funding ALA should be studied, this seemed to come too soon after a potential dues increase. The hope is that there will be a full discussion at the annual meeting in New Orleans. Right now, it is hoped that the new dues increase request will pass and ALA can move forward on implementing ALA Ahead 2010.

I voted for the referral. The referral passed.

Committee on Legislation (COL)
COL brought several resolutions to Council. Here they are with a summary of their content. If you would like to see the full resolution with all its whereas and resolves, I'll be happy to send it to you.

Resolution on the USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization asks Congress to:

amend USA PATRIOT ACT in a manner that "safeguards the privacy rights and constitutionally protected civil liberties of all library users, library employees, and U.S. persons"

amend to show that law enforcement officials have to be specific about who they are investigating with evidence that an investigation is warranted (i.e. no fishing expeditions)

require FISA Court to make a finding that these facts are sufficient to warrant an investigation

allow a recipient of a FISA records search order to consult with an attorney, to challenge the search and gag order

asks that Section 215 have a sunset date of no more than four years

urges Congress to "intensify its oversight of the use of the USA PATRIOT Act as well as other government surveillance and investigation"programs

reasserts ALA's "commitment to the rights of inquiry and free expression" of everybody.

I voted yes. The resolution passed.

Resolution on OMB's Guidance to Agencies Pertaining to the Implementation of Section 207(d) of the E-Government Act of 2002

asks for timely hearings on this Act with librarians as witnesses instead of just posting on the web and asking for comments

asks that Congress provide oversight that the recommendations of the Categorization of Government Information Working Group be implemented (basically that government documents be cataloged in a way that the public can actually find them)

I voted yes. The resolution passed.

Resolution on Protecting the Toxics Release Inventory Program

opposes the Environmental Protection Act's proposal to reduce the frequency and threshold requirements for Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting

urges Congress to stay with the original intent to "make information, including off-site consequence analysis information, publicly available on a timely basis"

urges Congress to "direct the EPA to maintain the current TRI reporting thresholds and frequency."

I voted yes. The resolution passed.

Resolution on the Changes to the IRS Tax Forms Outlet Program asks that ALA work with the IRS to "reconfigure the Tax Forms Outlet Program to meet the needs of the participating libraries and the public they serve." Basically, the IRS isn't sending enough forms and wants librarians to help everybody get the forms online. Some libraries and people would like to actually get the forms.

I voted yes. The resolution passed.

Resolution Affirming Equity of Access Through Universal Service, E-Rate and Advanced Broadband Services

asks Congress "assess and review the impact of regulatory changes on the public interest, including libraries, educational institutions, and state and local governments"

asks for "open access and interoperability as well as for prohibitions against control of access by only a few"

continue the E-rate or a similar program.

I voted yes. The resolution passed.

Opposition to Judge Samuel Alito as U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice. The Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship (COSWL) proposed a resolution to oppose the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito as associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and communicate this opposition to the U.S. Senate.

Posted by claadmin at 2:10 PM

January 20, 2006

2006 Day in the District

Submitted by Kathy Gould, Day in the District Coordinator

The annual CLA/CSLA "Day in the District" is nearly here - we are trying to have library advocates meet with as many Legislators as possible on Friday, January 27 and Friday, January 3.

Have you signed up to meet with your local Legislators? If not, we need your participation!

Our Legislative contacts have been busy making appointments for many Legislators across the state. Go to http://www.csla.net/legimembers to look up appointment dates and times and to sign up for appointments. If no appointment has yet been made for your Legislator, keep checking - more appointments are being confirmed every day! (Note that due to scheduling constraints some meetings may take place on dates other than January 27 or February 3.)

We have an exciting Legislative agenda this year. Public libraries will be seeking:

Full funding for the Public Library Foundation

Support for the Library Construction Bond Act

Funding for the California State Library

Your help is essential if we are to achieve these goals!

Talking Points (21k)

Posted by claadmin at 1:36 PM

January 10, 2006

Governor Releases 2006-07 Budget, No Further Cuts to Public Library Foundation

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. this afternoon, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released his 2006-07 Budget in a large auditorium at the Secretary of State's Office building, before members of the press corps, representatives of the Governor's Cabinet and Senate President pro Tem Don Perata. The Governor noted that his Budget would "continue California on a path of fiscal responsibility and recovery" and he added that while "we still have a structural deficit, I want to work with the legislature to find a solution to this problem." For approximately 20 minutes, the Governor fielded questions, held up various charts and graphs, and delighted members of the media with jokes about his recent motorcycle incident wherein he sustained stitches in his upper lip.

The Governor's Budget examines the national and California economy, particularly as it applies to the "sharp slowdown in residential construction," and overall personal income trends. However, the Budget document contends that the national and California economies continue to remain "fundamentally sound" and that the "outlook for 2006 and 2007 is for continued (revenue) gains."

As the Budget appears to "hold the line" in most regards, we are pleased to report that the Governor is not proposing any cuts to the State Library Budget in the following areas:

No cut to the Public Library Foundation: maintain the existing baseline amount of $14.3 million. Note: CLA will be working over the next several months to lobby the legislature and the Governor's office to increase this amount.

No cut to the California Library Services Act: maintain the existing baseline amount of $14.3 million.

No cut to the Library Services and Technology Act: maintain the existing baseline amount of $12.5 million.

As you may have been reading in the papers of late, the hallmark of the Governor's 2006-07 Budget will be his massive infrastructure proposal, called the "Strategic Growth Plan: Building California for Future Generations." The Governor's Budget describes the plan as the "first installment of a 20-year investment on a future that will ensure California's quality of life and foster continued economic growth. The plan balances the necessity of meeting infrastructure needs with prudent and fair approaches to funding those needs." Phase One is a 10-Year Financing Plan that would include $222 billion in infrastructure investments. Between the years of 2006 and 2014, voters would go to the polls to authorize the financing of these bonds (a portion would be General Obligation bonds - $68 billion, while others would be a mix of private financing/user-pays, etc.) Governor Schwarzenegger said he was trying to address infrastructure in a cohesive manner, rather than piecemeal. "People have approved bonds for parks, stem cell research, libraries, etc. But there is no continuity." He further acknowleged that Senate President pro Tem Perata and Assembly Speaker Nunez also have infrastructure bond proposals and said he thought it was "great everyone was talking about it since two years ago that wasn't happening."

Yesterday, Assembly Speaker Nunez named Assemblyman John Laird (Budget Chair), Assemblywoman Judy Chu (Appropriations Chair), Assemblyman Rick Keene (Budget Vice Chair) to a conference committee "that will work out any differences between Assembly and Senate Infrastructure bond bills, thereby speeding up work on the Governor's infrastructure bond proposals." (source: Speaker's press release) The release notes that the Conference Committee could begin work as soon as next week.

Posted by claadmin at 3:34 PM

December 16, 2005

Infrastructure Bond Discussions Abound

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

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

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

I. INFRASTRUCTURE BOND DISCUSSIONS ABOUND

Recently, you may have read various news reports about talks of a so-called "mega infrastructure bond" that the Governor and the legislative leaders may be considering in 2006. In November, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Governor had highlighted some of the needs that could be incorporated into a State General Obligation bond package to be placed before the voters next year. While most people are of the of the impression that one huge mega-bond will appear on the June or November ballot, we are informed that the Governor's proposal ultimately, with support from the Legislature, will likely call for a long-term funding plan, i.e. infrastructure needs for the next 30 years might be established, and bonds let accordingly. In an article in Wednesday's Sacramento Bee, Governor Schwarzenegger's Department of Finance spokesman "said the $50 billion estimate for (the Governor's) bond measure has 'taken on a life of its own' and insisted that the Republican governor hasn't decided the amount or the 'financing mix' for his proposal." The Governor is expected to unveil his long-term bond proposal in his January Budget, which he is required to present to the legislature by January 10th, 2006.

Senate President pro Tem Don Perata has also been very vocal in his strong support for a large infrastructure bond. The Senator held a press conference several weeks ago, at which time he outlined his priorities for a June 2006 bond -- primarily for transportation, housing and infrastructure, in the amount of $10.3 billion (proposal is contained in his SB 1024). Senator Perata also acknowledged that he has been having discussions with the Governor on other infrastructure needs. On Tuesday of this week, Senator Alan Lowenthal "took the bond show on the road" by holding a hearing of his Senate Housing and Transportation Committee, which he Chairs, in Los Angeles. The hearing, entitled, "SB 1024 - What the Infrastructure Bond Would Mean For Southern California," was intended to address four specific areas: 1) Southern California's Transportation and Housing Needs, 2) What the Bond Will Mean For Southern California's Transportation System, 3) What Will The Bond Mean For Housing Affordability and Infill Development in Southern California, and 4) What The Bond Will Mean For Southern California's Water Supply and Flood Control." The background paper for the hearing focused on areas such as "Stuck in Traffic: California's Current Transportation Situation" and "At Risk for Major Levee Failure." In addition to Senator Lowenthal, present at the hearing were key figures Senators Tom Torlakson (representing Senator Perata) who previously served as the former Chair of the Transportation committee, and Senator Kevin Murray who was recently named as the new Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Last week, we met with the top staff director for Senator Murray. He informed us that Senator Murray is compiling information regarding the state's infrastructure needs and he wanted to know what the total bond need was statewide for the library community. However, after meeting with the Senator's representative, we got the impression that any proposals coming forward relative to any General Obligation bonds this year will be receiving great scrutiny and will be significantly smaller than originally anticipated. In fact, in Wednesday's Sacramento Bee article, they note that Senator Murray, at the Los Angeles Senate Transportation Committee hearing, "warned local officials against considering the (transportation) bond proposal as a 'Christmas tree' to pay for unworthy projects. 'We are hundreds of billions of dollars behind, so we are not on a gravy train here.'"

It should be noted that Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez has indicated that he too will likely be pushing an Assembly bond package to address transportation needs, and perhaps other critical infrastructure components.

During the coming weeks and months, there will likely be significant debate on the State's debt limit, the use of other sources to repay the bonds, i.e. sales tax increases or gas tax increases for transportation, etc.

II. WHAT DOES THE BOND DISCUSSION MEAN FOR THE LIBRARIES?

As the bond discussions began heating up, we received a few calls from those in the library community saying, "Mike and Christina, what does this mean for our library bond bill which is currently on the June 2006 ballot?" In fact, a hard working group of library leaders within CLA, which we have affectionately titled the "Library Bond Task Force," were peppered with inquiries from outsiders who wondered: "Should we consider collapsing our June bond into this new mega bond effort?" Or "Are we going to be swallowed up by this larger mega bond and will the legislature try to run a bill to move our bond to November like they did with the high speed rail bond?" While we felt these scenarios would be long-shots, we immediately set out to talk to high-ranking senior staff in the Capitol - representatives for the Senate President pro Tem, Assembly Speaker, Republican Caucus, etc. Based on our information, it was our feeling that if a mega bond is to be developed, the likelihood of it making it to the ballot prior to June 2006 is slim. More than likely, the voters will be contemplating a mega-bond on the November 2006 ballot. Many Capitol insiders tell us there is still a great deal of disagreement between the two houses regarding Northern California versus Southern California needs, dollar amount, the type of infrastructure that would be financed (e.g. transportation and flood control only or more expansive and long-term, such as the Governor's larger plan?), and the problematic financing angle. Thus, at this current time, the only item that is currently slated for the June 2006 ballot is the library bond. When we asked high-ranking legislative staff if they thought there was any chance that leadership would attempt to move the library bond from the June ballot to another date, they all agreed that they felt this was highly unlikely and that the "library bond should be safe." They also believed that there was minimal threat that anyone would try to "collapse the library bond into a larger mega bond effort." Lastly, we tried to get a sense as to whether or not we could get additional library bonds included in any new "mega-bond." While we have "put in a plug" with the Governor's Office and other key legislative leaders, our sense is that resolution of the whole bond scheme is a long way off. We're just happy that, at this time, the library bond is on the June ballot!

III. SENATOR PERATA MAKES NEW COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

In a move that surprised most Capitol insiders and outsiders, Senate President pro Tem Don Perata recently named Senator Kevin Murray as Chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, replacing Senator Carole Migden. The change was a tightly-guarded secret, and we were told about the story only hours before the story broke in the press. While there have been conflicting rumors as to why the change was made, Senator Migden issued a press release stating that she was asking for a "leave from her responsibilities as Chair so she can help Controller Steve Westly win the 2006 Democratic nomination as Governor." Senator Perata also made a number of other changes at the same time:

Senator Tom Torlakson, who has been a strong supporter of libraries throughout his time in the legislature, will serve as the new Democratic Caucus Chair, replacing Senator Kevin Murray.

Senator Carole Migden will replace Senator Elaine Alquist as the Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee. In past years, bills pertaining to "obscene matter" or "harmful matter" that are monitored by the CLA Legislative Committee, have been heard by the Public Safety Committee.

Posted by claadmin at 2:20 PM

November 21, 2005

No Time Like the Present to Give to the Bond Fund Campaign

Submitted by Mark Smith on behalf of the Bond Fund Campaign Committee

Nearly every person attending the annual CLA conference last week in Pasadena should have heard about the efforts to pass the $600 million library construction bond set for approval by California voters in June 2006. Members of the Bond Fund Campaign made presentations to many groups throughout the conference. If you were moved to write a check to support the bond fund, but haven't found the time to do so yet, please pull out that remit envelop, finish writing your check, and send it in. The fund needs the support of every member of CLA and every library advocate in California. Give often and give generously to help pass this bond. And remember, you can also give online at www.yesforlibraries.com.

With your help-and only with your help-we can pass this historic bond next June.

Posted by claadmin at 7:38 AM

November 1, 2005

CLA Program to Explore Public Library Bond Fund

Submitted by Mark Smith, Legislative Chair

You are invited to program to be presented at the CLA Conference on the California Public Library Bond Fund titled, "Public Library Bonds, Buildings, Books, and Bytes." The program will be held from 4:45 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, in room C211 of the Pasadena Conference Center.

Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Librarian will serve as moderator for a panel of experts that includes Linda Springer of the Office of Library Construction at the California State Library, Ann Cousineau, Solano County Librarian, and Anne Campbell, Director of the National City Public Library.

Linda Springer will discuss the successes of the last bond act (popularly known as Prop 14); Anne Campbell will describe her experience in successfully applying for bond funds and the subsequent construction of a new library in National City; and Ann Cousineau will describe the ongoing effort to pass the next bond scheduled for voter approval in June 2006.

Posted by claadmin at 8:01 AM

October 19, 2005

Legislative Committee and CALTAC Programs Planned for the Conference

This year's conference features two great programs sponsored by the Legislative Committee and CALTAC: --David Janssen, CAO of L.A. County, telling us about local government in California and where and how libraries fit into that picture, and --A panel discussion on the new Bond Act for library construction, which will also feature highlights of the 2000 Act, differences between the two, and the ongoing campaign for approval of the new Act on the 2006 ballot.

2000-2010: Public Library Bonds, Buildings, Books
and Bytes
Sunday, Nov. 6, 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm
Conference Center, Room C211

Making Sense of Local Government
Monday, Nov. 7, 10:30 am - 11:45 am
Conference Center, Room C102

Posted by claadmin at 7:00 AM

September 9, 2005

State Legislature Adjourns; Eminent Domain Update

To: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

From: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

Subject: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

I. SENATE AND ASSEMBLY ADJOURN FOR THE SESSION - ONE DAY EARLY - DURING A MOST UNUSUAL YEAR

Last night the Senate and Assembly concluded the first half of the rather unremarkable 2005-2006 session. Senate President pro Tem Don Perata had the Senate meeting daily, grinding through a steady-stream of hundreds of bills, in anticipation of the final crush of legislation that had to be moved through the Senate and Assembly before the September 9th adjournment date. Two weeks ago, Senator Perata had announced that he was hopeful that with his ambitious schedule in place, the Senate could adjourn a day early, but lobbyists were skeptical, as an early departure date had not been achieved in at least a decade. As is often the case, the Senate tends to be more organized in these final weeks than the Assembly. Since the Assembly had not been as aggressive as the Senate in moving bills off their Floor, they were significantly behind in the processing of their bill load.

Thus, it came as no surprise to us last night, as lobbyists packed the hallways monitoring hundreds of measures, when Senate President pro Tem Perata announced shortly before 9:30 p.m., "Well, we only have about 2 more bills remaining." Sources tell us that Senator Perata has issued several polite "warnings" that his house was close to shutting down for the year, as they lacked any more work to do." Further, he cautioned that if the Assembly was currently in possession of any bills with Senate authors, he wanted them immediately dispensed with so that they could be sent back over to the Senate, otherwise they would be rendered dead for the year if the Senate lost patience and shut down. A half an hour went by, and Senator Perata, in his frustration, gaveled the Senate to a close. Even a last minute attempt to resurrect AB 1388-Ridley-Thomas (teleconnect) fell victim to the skirmish between the two houses. When the word had trickled to the Assembly that the Senate had shut down, an audible gasp went up from the membership, with the realization that many crucial bills were now dead for the year.

The legislature will reconvene the first week of January 2006 to begin the second half of the session.

II. STATUS OF LEGISLATION RE U.S. SUPREME COURT KELO DECISION ON EMINENT DOMAIN

This morning, we reported to the CLA Legislative Committee the discussion on the eminent domain bills introduced in recent weeks. CLA Legislative Chair Mark Smith thought some of you might be interested in the issue. Here is brief summary of what has occurred to date.

You will recall that on June 23, 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Kelo v. City of New London, that the taking of private property unrelated to a blighted condition, for the purpose of economic development, is a "public use" within the meaning of the "takings clause" of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The so-called "takings clause" provides that government may take private property for a public use only with the payment of just compensation. The case revolved around the condemnation by the City of New London, Connecticut, of Susette Kelo's home to allow for the development of an upscale waterfront complex. The 5-4 decision also suggested that states were free to pass their own additional protections.

As a result of the Kelo decision, a number of bills have been introduced in the Legislature. The most comprehensive measure, SCA 15 by Republican Senator Tom McClintock, and a narrower Constitutional Amendment, SCA 12 by Democrat Tom Torlakson, relating to residential only, were held in the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. The debate on SCA 15 was the most emotional, with Senator McClintock stating, "This is a fundamental issue with a 'yes' or 'no' answer. It is either morally right to take one person's property and give to another person for private profit, or it is not." He went on to note that under the California definition of "blight," even the White House would be included. He concluded by stating, "I ask you to restore the Bill of Rights for California." The defeat of SCA 15 went along party lines, with Democrats voting "no" and Republicans voting "aye." The committee did pass, also along party lines, AB 1162 by Assemblyman Gene Mullin, Chair of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee, which would essentially establish a two-year moratorium on public entities from exercising the power of eminent domain to acquire owner-occupied residential property for private use, and would also require the California Research Bureau to submit a report to the Legislature regarding the exercise of the power of eminent domain.

Wednesday morning, the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Mullin, passed SB 1026 by Senate Local Government Committee Chair Christine Kehoe, that is almost identical to AB 1162-Mullin. The debate on SB 1026 was similar to the other measures and again went along party lines. Republicans want the bills to apply to all property, arguing that "a small business or commercial property may be as important to some people as their home." The Democrats argue that eminent domain is a complicated issue, and rather than rushing a bill through the Legislature in the final weeks of the session, it would be more appropriate to just deal with the issue of residential, since the Kelo decision involved home ownership. Senator Kehoe stated at the hearing that her measure "would not affect traditional public works projects." At the conclusion of the hearing, we asked Chairman Mullin what his intention was with respect to his and Senator Kehoe's nearly identical bills moving forward. He stated that he would likely drop his measure and become a principal co-author on Senator Kehoe's bill.

Later that day, we received a call from Senator Kehoe's office informing us that she would not move her bill this year, and subsequently received a press release, which we thought you might find interesting. Our guess is that the author and Democratic leaders had a discussion during the day and decided - why push their members to a vote on the Floor and then let the Republicans blast the Democratic measures for not going far enough, etc.

Lastly, the Senate Local Government Committee held a hearing on August 17th, and a report has been developed by the committee's staff, which focuses on four findings:

None of the witnesses said that Kelo affected counties, cities, special districts or school districts. They focused on redevelopment agencies.

The witnesses disagreed on how Kelo affected redevelopment agencies, eminent domain powers in California.

The witnesses disagreed on property owners protections under the existing statutory procedures.

Committee Chair, Senator Kehoe, announced that the "blight" definition would be a subject of her committee's fall interim hearings.

The committee's report ("Kelo and California: How the Supreme Court's Decision Affects California's Local Governments") contains a 9-page summary of the witnesses' remarks, a staff background paper, and copy of the witnesses' extensive written materials. You may order copies directly from Senate Publications (916-651-1538) at a cost of $10.78 per copy.

Posted by claadmin at 4:37 PM

August 26, 2005

Deadline for Bills with Fiscal Impact Reached on Thursday

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

SENATE AND ASSEMBLY "HOLD" TWO BIG LIBRARY BILLS DUE TO COST PRESSURES AND POLICY CONCERNS

Thursday afternoon, the Senate Appropriations Committee and Assembly Appropriations Committee met to address their significant list of "suspense file" items. As you will recall, the so-called "suspense file" is a method by which both fiscal committees in each house automatically hold bills with a dollar value in excess of $150,000 so that each bill may be prioritized on their fiscal and policy merit. Then, on one single day, all fiscal bills are dispensed with and are either passed out of committee and sent to the Floor for vote, or held due to cost or policy concerns (ultimately rendering the bill "dead" for the year.) The "suspense file" process is nerve-wracking for lobbyists and legislators, as it is highly secretive, and one does not know until the minute the bill is announced whether or not it is going to be passed to the Floor or if it is headed to the "suspense" graveyard.

Yesterday, two bills that are being closely monitored by the CLA Legislative Committee, chaired by Mark Smith, were held on the "suspense file." Specifically, here are some of the details about the two bills held in committee yesterday:

SB 682-SIMITIAN: "THE IDENTITY INFORMATION PROTECTION ACT OF 2005"
"The bill requires that certain security measures be implemented into state and local government-issued identification documents that incorporate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, with certain specified exceptions, and for three years, prohibits the use of RFID in four classes of government documents including: 1) drivers licenses, 2) ID cards issued to K-12 students, 3) government-issued medical benefit cards, and 4) library cards issued by a public library." (Source: Assembly Appropriations analysis)

Earlier in the year, we previously reported that our office received a call from the Senate Office of Research who was conducting confidential research on the use of RFID tags in library cards. When we polled the CLA Legislative Committee, they indicated that while the books and other materials at the library may contain RFID tags, the actual library cards have bar codes or another identifier, not RFID chips. We later received confirmation that it was Senator Simitian who commissioned the inquiry at Senate Office of Research. As many of you know, Senator Simitian has long been one of CLA's biggest supporters, and we believe he was trying to best determine how much libraries would be impacted by the measure in advance of SB 682 being introduced. A few days later we attended a comprehensive briefing by the sponsors of his bill, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. They explained the bill was prompted by a situation at a school in Northern California where students were asked to wear a badge containing an RFID tag, while on campus, to track their attendance at the school. Scanners were placed above doorways, etc. Parents objected to the invasive badges and the campus quickly disbanded the program. In April, the bill had two substantive hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee, but no organized opposition was present at either hearing, which surprised us. The bill then passed the Senate Floor and headed over to the Assembly.

In the meantime, the CLA Legislative Team had established an excellent Task Force, consisting of Chair, Mark Smith (Riverside County Library System), Jackie Griffin of the Berkeley Public Library, and Kathleen Smith at the Fresno Public Library. They had significant concerns that because the RFID technology is "young yet, it would be detrimental to pass a piece of prohibitive legislation so early in the game," and requested that CLA submit language to Senator Simitian calling for an amendment to allow for future "hybrid" or permissive options. The public library could offer 1) a barcode system, or, 2) if the library offered an RFID card system and a barcode system, the patron could choose their style of card, using an opt-in approach, and would sign a waiver of informed consent if they chose the RFID model. Unfortunately, the author and the sponsor rejected our language and the prohibition for public library card usage remained in the bill.

The bill faced a much more difficult time in the Assembly Judiciary Committee. We spent a great deal of time speaking with committee staff regarding our concerns, and ultimately the thorough 11 page committee analysis posed the question: "The Committee may wish to explore with the author the possibility of permitting all educational institutions and libraries to use RFID technology with security protections." Despite the consultant's argument, the author was resistant to exempting public libraries from the bill, but agreed to exempt higher education, partially because the UC system, according to the analysis, "had already invested several million dollars into RFID technology for use on its campuses and in its libraries." At this hearing, a large coalition of opponents turned out, representing various electronics groups, including the American Electronics Association, Oracle, Texas Instruments, etc. and even the state's own Department of Consumer Affairs who is concerned with Homeland Security issues. At the end of the hearing, Chairman Dave Jones said, "I personally have concerns with limiting the technology and with the limiting of certain classifications of documents, but I know the author will continue to work with everyone." The bill passed on a vote of 6 "ayes" (all Democrats) and 3 "noes" (all Republicans).

Subsequently, the Assembly Appropriations Committee identified costs to state and local agencies of several dollars per card and several hundred dollars per reader station for the new, enhanced systems and massive encryption requirements that would be required under this bill. Also, the Committee consultant identified an unusual potential cost brought about by the bill - civil actions. The consultant warns SB 682 could cause "potential unknown cost to the state or local agencies to defend against civil actions brought pursuant to alleged non-compliance" and "potential costs for adverse judgments against the state or local agencies in such actions." In a surprise twist during Thursday's Appropriation's "suspense file" hearing, Assembly Appropriations Committee Chair, Judy Chu, announced that she would be holding "20 bills over as two-year bills. If you don't hear a bill number called out, that means we are holding on to it until January." SB 682-Simitian was one of the 20 bills held by the Committee, with the opportunity for it to be resurrected any time next year. However, the San Jose Mercury News is reporting that the Senator has stated that he would vow to "try to revive it before the Legislature adjourns for the year on Sept. 9." The Senator would need to obtain a significant amount of rule waivers and obtain the blessing of Assembly and Senate Leadership to be able to move his bill before the end of session, which would be quite difficult.

AB 1388: RIDLEY-THOMAS: ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EDUCATION AND HEALTH ACCOUNT WITHIN THE CALIFORNIA TELECONNECT FUND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE FUND

You may recall that several years ago there was a large surplus contained in the Teleconnect Fund, within the Public Utilities Commission Budget. As it was a tight Budget year during that session, the Budget Subcommittees and Budget Conference Committees voted to "borrow" $150 million from the Teleconnect Fund, as it appeared it was not being utilized and could assist the state in helping to balance the Budget. Since that time, a group of lobbyists (representing schools, libraries, and community based organizations), including CLA, have supported annual legislation that seeks to return some of the "loaned" money to the Teleconnect Fund. This year, AB 1388 by Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas would direct the Public Utilities Commission to administer a grant program pertaining to telemedicine resources in urban and rural areas, and a grant program to "demonstrate the benefits of using the state's telecommunications networks to deliver supplemental education services. Grants may be made to: (a) entities which deliver services to pupils in grades 6 through 12, and (b) public libraries."

The Senate Appropriations Committee analysis noted that it "is difficult to estimate the potential cost pressures, because they would depend on the parameters of the grant programs created by the commission. Nevertheless, the costs could be millions of dollars annually through 2013, when the provisions of the bill sunset." Perhaps, not surprisingly, the committee chose to hold the bill on its "suspense file" rendering the measure dead for the year.

Posted by claadmin at 4:54 PM

July 11, 2005

Governor Signs Budget - Protects PLF From Further Cuts

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

Before noon today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the 2005-06 State Budget in the majestic rotunda of the State Capitol building, only 11 days past the constitutional deadline for passage of a budget. Under heavy security, and flanked by legislative leaders and Budget Chairs from the Assembly and Senate, the Governor signed the $90 billion (General Fund) Budget and subsequently released a list of reductions. We are pleased to report that Governor Schwarzenegger chose to protect the baseline for the Public Library Foundation (PLF) at $14.1 million and did not make any further reductions to the fund. You may recall that in his January version of the Budget, the Governor had proposed a $2.2 million reduction to the PLF, and we worked with the Budget Subcommittees to restore that funding in the May Revision Budget process. Today CLA can declare a small victory, and offer sincere thanks to the Governor for his willingness to protect library funding in the 2005-06 Budget. Ultimately, the Governor and his staff had a choice to accept the Budget subcommittee action and agree to the $2.2 million restoration for the PLF, reject the $2.2 million augmentation entirely and revert back to the Governor's January Budget level, or make even further reductions to the PLF. Thus, with this Budget, the Governor and his staff made a conscientious decision to save the PLF from further reductions.

We would also like to report that the Budget signed today does not reflect any further cuts to any other library programs or State Library operations.

Posted by claadmin at 1:45 PM

July 7, 2005

Budget, PLF Funding Maintained

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist, Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

BUDGET BILL IS ON ITS WAY TO THE GOVERNOR

Budget Contains $14.1 Million Baseline Funding For Public Library Foundation

Today the Senate and Assembly took up SB 77 the Budget bill, and SB 80, the companion bill to the Budget bill, which reflects agreements reached by the Governor and four legislative leaders over the last few days. In addition, the two houses passed twelve so-called "trailer bills" to the Budget, in policy areas such as education, health and welfare, transportation, and corrections. Due to the nature of the agreements reached in the preceding days, and the appearance of the "united front" by the Governor and legislative leaders, lengthy floor speeches on the Budget today were held to a minimum. The Senate was quite succinct and a little more jovial during their presentation of the Budget on their Floor, while the Assembly was slightly more expansive in their discussion, and debate on some of the trailer bills became contentious.

In the Assembly, Budget Conference Committee Chair, John Laird presented the Budget bill and called it a "good news, bad news Budget. Nobody gets everything they want." However, he noted that he was pleased that it was the "earliest we have had a Budget in five years." Assemblyman Rick Keene, a Republican member of the Budget Conference Committee spoke next and called the Budget, "a substantial improvement from what we saw several weeks ago. This is the last year local governments will have to go without vehicle license fee funding (as the Budget repays the VLF gap loan) and it will make a big difference to local governments and police and fire." Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez encouraged a "unified vote on the Floor" and called SB 77 and SB 80 a "Budget that protects the values of Californians."

The Budget and corresponding "trailer bills" will now be sent to Governor Schwarzenegger for his action. Contained in the Budget bill is $14.1 million in baseline funding for the Public Library Foundation. You will recall that Governor Schwarzenegger, in his January version of the Budget, proposed to cut the PLF by $2.2 million. However, through our extensive lobbying of legislators, your grass roots efforts at Day In the District and CLA Legislative Day, and the good work of the Senate Budget Subcommittee and Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, we were able to restore the $2.2 million. We would also like to thank the Legislative Analyst's Office who was very supportive of the PLF this year, and has been working with our office since January. You will also recall, at one point Senate Budget Subcommittee Chair Jack Scott said that he was hopeful there might be some one-time money available for the PLF. However, as time went on, staff told us it became very difficult to try to use one-time dollars for a program like the PLF - which clearly uses "ongoing dollars" which are built into our baseline and are a continuous appropriation. We are hopeful, that as the Governor reviews the Budget bill he does not use his "blue pencil" to reduce the $14.1 million baseline for the PLF any further.

Also of interest to libraries indirectly, is the action to fully repay the Vehicle License Fee Gap Loan, using one-time funds, in the amount of $1.2 billion. The Governor is choosing to pay off the loan two years earlier than required, using part of the windfall derived from the successful tax amnesty program.

We have spoken with several sources who have told us the Governor may sign the Budget bill as early as tomorrow, or the first part of next week. The minute we have details regarding the disposition of the PLF, we will send out an alert to the field.

Posted by claadmin at 1:25 PM

June 30, 2005

State Budget Update

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS BRING BUDGET UP ON FLOOR AGAIN - VOTE TABLED WHEN "BIG FIVE LEADERS" QUICKLY CONVENE TALKS

Facing the symbolic deadline of the end of the fiscal year, June 30th, the Assembly Democrats took the opportunity this afternoon to force a second vote on the state Budget bill, despite the understanding that they lacked the requisite Republican votes to attain a two-thirds vote for passage. In recent days, the Assembly Democrats have accused the minority party and Governor of holding up the Budget for political posturing. Republicans, however, claim that the Democrats Budget is not in balance, is not the so called "Governor's Budget," and spends one-time dollars for ongoing expenditures.

As Assembly Budget Chair, John Laird presented AB 77, the Budget bill, shortly before noon today. He noted, "Our actions today are not academic. Real people in the real world are dependent upon our actions. Last time the vote fell seven votes short and we heard your concerns." Assemblyman Laird then detailed a list of new budgetary solutions and compromises that utilized one-time funds, rather than so-called "on-going" dollars, including the full repayment of the vehicle license fee gap loan. He added, "There is really no excuse. If the Budget is not adopted, it is really for political purposes." Republican Assemblyman Keith Richman, who has been pressing for budget and pension reform, argued that he would be voting against the Democrats' new Budget package. He added, "This is really about making fundamental reforms in state government that are going to bring about fiscal responsibility and accountability. It is time to face up to the problems and not continue to put a band-aid on these issues." Democrat Assemblywoman Fran Pavley countered, "I intend to hopefully go home for the weekend and many of us will be in parades or giving speeches in honor of our country's declaration to be a free and independent nation, and I'm going to have to explain to my constituents why we're not passing this Budget...and frankly, they don't get it. They don't understand, why we can't pass a Budget that is 99 percent the Governor's May Revise."

After more than an hour and a half of debate on the Budget bill, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez announced a surprise recess of the Floor to convene a brief meeting of the so-called "Big 5," consisting of the Governor and the four legislative leaders. The Assembly was then promptly placed into "lock down." Thanks to modern technology, one legislator's office received this text message/cry for help from a legislator on the Floor: "I'm bored." A short time later, the Assembly Speaker returned to the rostrum and reported that he would be tabling the vote on the Budget and would send his members home for the weekend, to return on Tuesday. As a side note, we were aware that many of the Democrat members were anxious to leave this afternoon to participate in the festivities beginning tonight surrounding the swearing in of former Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa as the newly elected Mayor of Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, Senate President pro Tem Don Perata has instructed all policy committees to stop holding hearings on bills as of next week until a Budget bill is passed. Thus, the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Commerce Committee scheduled a rarely-held Thursday hearing this morning, with an ambitious agenda, including AB 1388-Ridley-Thomas (a teleconnect bill, supported by CLA, which passed today with bi-partisan support). The committee was interrupted not less than three different times for two "emergency caucuses" called by the Senate President pro Tem, relative to the Budget, and one caucus called by the Senate Republicans. (If we had worn a pedometer today, we would have surely been impressed with our mileage logged running back and forth to the Capitol!) The Senate did not take up the Budget bill today, despite Senate President pro Tem Perata telling members yesterday to "bring their pajamas," as they would be locked in, until a Budget was passed. Late this afternoon, however, Senator Perata announced a vote would not be taken today, and instead negotiations between the "Big 5" would continue.

We will keep you posted.

Posted by claadmin at 5:55 PM

June 13, 2005

Support Yes! for Libraries

Submittted by Ann Cousineau, Chair, Yes! for Libraries

The campaign for the next library construction bond bill is swinging into high gear. No surprise, we need money to help us fund the campaign effort. To make it as easy and painless as possible to give, our web site is up and ready to accept online contributions. Go to yesforlibraries.com. You can give (no dollar amount is too small) as well as volunteer and/or sign up to be on on email list.

Passage of this bond bill is crucial to fund new public library buildings or remodel existing ones. Remember up to half of the $600 million in the bill can be used for projects that were left unfunded in the 3rd cycle of the Prop 14 bond bill.

Please help by making a contribution today and tomorrow and as many times as you can over the next year. It's a great cause and it will result in better libraries and better service for our communities.

Posted by claadmin at 1:30 PM

May 17, 2005

PLF, RFID Tags, LAO Budget Review

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

I. BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEES REJECT $2.2 MILLION CUT TO PLF

Yesterday the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance began their review of the Governor's May Revision of the State Budget. After an overview of the May Revision by the Legislative Analyst's Office, and a spirited debate about the lack of sufficient K-12 funding in the Governor's newly revised document, the subcommittee addressed specific issues. The first item discussed on the agenda was the Public Library Foundation. As you will recall, the Governor is proposing a $2.2 million cut to the baseline of the program in the January version of his Budget, but was silent on any further reductions to the PLF in the May Revision. Senate Budget Subcommittee Chair, Jack Scott said, "I would like to propose that we deny the January proposal and restore $2.2 million to the Public Library Foundation. Public libraries in the state are very important at the present time, and we are wanting to add back in $2.2 million." The Governor's Department of Finance noted that they would not support the restoration of the $2.2. million, while the non-partisan Legislative Analyst's Office spoke in favor of the restoration, citing substantial cuts to the program over the last few years. CLA then testified, thanking the subcommittee for the action to restore the $2.2 million, quantified the significant cuts to the PLF, and requested that the subcommittee keep the PLF in mind for any additional one-time funds that might be identified. The restoration of $2.2 million to the baseline of the PLF was supported by all three subcommittee members: Senator Jack Scott, Senator Bob Margett, and Senator Joe Simitian.

This morning, the Assembly Budget Subcomittee on Education Finance similarly received a briefing by the Legislative Analyst's Office regarding the May Revision, and then immediately began moving through an extensive agenda, which included the PLF. CLA again testified, urging the subcommittee to restore the $2.2 million to the PLF and bring the fund to, at least, last year's level of baseline funding. We noted that while the statute calls for a 10 percent state match, the Governor's proposed level of funding equates to only 1.7 percent, which represents about 45 cents per capita. Subcommittee member Assemblywoman Lynn Daucher said, "I have a question of Finance. It is my understanding that if libraries took a cut, this is where they said it could come from." Finance responded, "Yes, we worked close with the State Library and this is where they chose to take the cut from." CLA responded that the State Library may have chosen the PLF as it does not have a matching federal fund component that would be jeopardized by additional cuts, but stressed that CLA would nonetheless like the PLF to be brought back to last year's level of funding, regardless. ($14.4 million ) The subcommittee ultimately decided to reject the Governor's January Budget and restore the $2.2 million to the PLF. The vote was 4 "ayes" to 2 "noes," with Democrat subcommittee members Chairman Mervyn Dymally, Wilma Chan, Joe Coto, and Jackie Goldberg voting "aye," and Republican subcommittee members Lynn Daucher and Bob Huff voting "no."

At the end of this week, the subcommittees will forward all of their recommendations to their full respective Budget Committees in each house. All recommendations will be put into Budget bill format and will be taken up on the Floor of each house, likely before the Memorial Day holiday. We expect both houses to reject the Budget bills, prompting the formation of the annual Budget Conference Committee process. At this time, we are hearing that the likely conferees to the Budget Conference Committee may be Assemblyman John Laird, Assemblyman Rick Keene, Assemblywoman Judy Chu, Senator Wes Chesbro, Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, and Senator Carole Migden. We will alert the field when these conferees are officially announced.

II. BILL BANNING RFID TAGS IN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING LIBRARY CARDS, PASSES SENATE

The CLA Legislative Committee has been closely monitoring SB 682 by Senator Joe Simitian, which would enact the Identify Information Protection Act of 2005 and prohibit identification documents created, mandated, purchased, or issued by various public entities from containing a contactless integrated circuit or other device that uses radio waves (RFID) to broadcast personal information or to enable personal information to be scanned remotely. Included in the list of public documents that would be prohibited from using the RFID technology are: library cards issued by any public library, driver's licenses or identification cards, health insurance or benefit cards, benefit cards issued in conjunction with any government supported aid program, identification cards used by educational institutions, etc. Earlier in the year, Senator Simitian requested that the Senate Office of Research contact various entities and ask how they are using RFID tags. CLA was contacted by the Senate Office of Research and, after discussions with the CLA Legislative Committee, it was determined that while RFID tags were being utilized for book, video, materials check out purposes, CLA was unaware of any public library using the RFID technology in its actual library cards.

The bill is sponsored by the ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation and is the result of a recent incident at Sutter School District in Northern California where the students were asked to wear a badge containing an RFID tag, while on campus, to track their attendance at the school. Parents objected to the invasive badges, and the campus quickly disbanded the program. Senator Simitian's staff has noted that as the readers for the RFID tags become more powerful, there is greater risk of identity theft and the potential of jeopardizing personal information. As Senator Simitian testified before a recent hearing on the bill in Senate Judiciary Committee, "They are now advertising home kits for $480 for RFID readers on the Internet. The potential is there for trouble." During a policy briefing session for Judiciary staff and interested parties, such as CLA, the Electronic Frontier Foundation stated, "The question is, with regard to these cards, do you really need to be broadcasting personal information, or could you use a bar code or magnetic strip and be forced to swipe it?" One Judiciary staff member asked, "How is this possibly enforceable? How will you ever know that your information has been scanned?" The ACLU responded that the bill, "will be very hard to enforce. You would have to determine that someone is counterfeiting documents, stolen your identity, etc," in order to prove guilt.

The bill had two lengthy policy hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee, due to the complicated nature of the measure, yet there was no opposition to the bill. Yesterday afternoon, the bill was taken up on the Senate Floor. Senator Simitian, in his opening remarks, said that he was proposing a "go slow, think it through approach" when it comes to this type of technology and said he would invite input while the bill moves through the Assembly, regarding public document uses not yet considered. Senator Bill Morrow said that he was concerned that the technology could prohibit universal cards on university campuses that allow students to buy books, load funds on the card, etc. and would not want to limit these types of legitimate uses, but would agree to work with Senator Simitian. The bill passed the Senate Floor on a vote of 29 "ayes" to 7 "noes." The CLA Legislative Committee is establishing a task force of individuals who are familiar with RFID technology usage and issues regarding public libraries to assist us as the bill continues to move through the process.

III. LEGISLATIVE ANALYST'S OFFICE RELEASES REVIEW OF GOVERNOR'S MAY REVISION

Yesterday the Legislative Analyst's Office submitted their "Overview of the 2005-06 May Revision" and noted that the "general approach of the administration - in particular, using most of the new revenues for repayment of debt or for one-time purposes - makes sense, given the formidable structural budget shortfall facing the state." The LAO disagrees with the Governor's projections for revenues received in the 2004-05, claiming that the "administration has seriously overstated the 2004-05 year-end accrual adjustments that will be made to the personal income tax... we estimate that the over-estimate is approximately $625 million." The LAO also cautions that the May Revision continues to rely on assumptions that could portend "significant risks" and include reliance on $408 million in savings related to employee compensation from collective bargaining negotiations, savings of $469 million from the shift of funding in STRS retirement costs from the state to school districts, and $525 million in proceeds from the issuance of a pension obligation bond.

In the section entitled, "Considerations for the Legislature," the LAO says, "â€¦We believe the general approach the Administration has taken with respect to the additional revenues in its May Revision - namely, using them for debt reduction and one-time purposes - makes sense. This is because a significant amount of additional resources will be needed in 2006-07 to deal with the large budget shortfall we project for that year."

Posted by claadmin at 3:23 PM

May 15, 2005

CLA Library Advocates Attend National Library Legislative Day

Submitted by Mark Smith, Legislative Committee Chair

A delegation of 24 California library advocates attended the 31st annual National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. May 3 and 4 to lobby for federal support for libraries. This year's delegation--organized and led by Barbara Custen, director of the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System--represents the largest number of attendees ever from California.

From left: CLA President Danis Kreimeier, Olyvia Rodriguez (Legislative Aide to Senator Dianne Feinstein), California State Librarian Susan Hildreth, and CLA members Barbara Jeffus, Ann Cousineau, Stephanie Beverage, and Debra Brighton.

While in Washington, the Californians visited the offices of all 53 congressional representative and both senators. In each office, attendees emphasized the following points:

To adopt the President's budgeted amount of $221.3 million for LSTA funding
To support $100 million in funding for Improving Literacy Through School Libraries
To ensure the continuation of E-Rate funding and support current legislation to permanently address accounting rules questions about the fund
To support bills that protect the freedom to read, including legislation that would amend the USA PATRIOT Act to return to previous standards for obtaining court orders to allow law enforcement access to library records

From left: Albert Tovar, Paymaneh Maghsoudi, Danis Kreimeier, Congressman Gary Miller, Margaret Donnellan Todd and Monica Penniger

Library supporters met with the staff of several key congressional representatives from California, including House Appropriations Committee Chair Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco). A number of National Leg Day attendees also met with the offices of the state's two U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein.

The following librarians and library supporters participated in this year's National Library Legislative Day:

Buckley Barrett, California State University, San Bernardino
Stephanie Beverage, South Pasadena Public Library
Debra Brighton, El Segundo Public Library
Ann Cousineau, Solano County Library
Barbara Custen, MCLS
Carmen Hernandez, Alhambra Public Library
Susan Hildreth, California State Library (State Librarian)
Barbara Jeffus, California Department of Education
Patrick Keilty, American University Student
Danis Kreimeier, Yorba Linda Public Library (CLA President)
Monique LeConge, Richmond Public Library
Barbara Lockwood, Calabasas Public Library
Jane Lowenthal, Library of California
Paymaneh Maghsoudi, Whittier Public Library
Valerie Maginnis, Mission Viejo Public Library
Nancy Mahr, County of Los Angeles Public Library
John McGinnis, Cerritos College
Barbara Murray, Oxnard Public Library
Monica Penninger, Santa Fe Springs Public Library
Thad Phillips, Downey Public Library
Jean Scully, Redondo Beach Public Library
Mark Smith, Riverside County Library System
Margaret Donnellan Todd, County of Los Angeles Public Library
Albert Tovar, Azusa City Library

Posted by claadmin at 12:41 PM

May 13, 2005

Governor Releases "May Revise" Of Budget - No Changes To PLF or Other Library Programs

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

Shortly after 1 p.m. today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger presented his May Revision of the 2005-06 Budget, noting that while revenues are up, "the work is not over. We still have an estimated structural deficit of $4 billion. We have billions of dollars of inherited debt. The auto-pilot spending will create more pressures. The answer is not to feed an out-of-control spending machine." The May Revision document states that the "new estimates contained in this May Revision reflect a restored faith in the California economy. Revenues are increasing in the 2004-05 estimated personal income tax, and in the 2005-06 corporate tax." The Governor's May Revise goes on to caution, however, that with a national economic trend pointing "toward a slowing of the recovery nationally, and in California, after 2006...The result is that the new revenue we see cannot be counted on for the years thereafter. Accordingly, the prudent thing is to treat the largest portion of the new revenue predicted since January as one-time rather than permanent." The Governor proposes using some of these one-time dollars to pay for transportation projects, fund some education programs, and repay cities and counties almost $600 million in vehicle license fee reimbursements. Specifically, the Revise addresses the "Partial Vehicle License Fee Gap Loan Repayment" and provides $593.4 million to cities and counties for the VLF reimbursement they did not receive in 2003-04 due to the suspension of the VLF offset. The Revise argues, "Payment of the VLF gap loan is not required until 2006-07, but prepaying half of it in 2005-06 will relieve state budget pressure in that year by reducing debt and spreading the additional revenues to local governments over two fiscal years."

The Public Library Foundation and other library programs remain as proposed in the Governor's January Budget. You will recall that the Governor proposed a $2.2 million reduction to the PLF in his January version of the Budget, but the reduction has been met with opposition from the members of the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees on Education who have jurisdiction over the State Library budget. Next week, the subcommittees will resume discussions and will begin reviewing the May Revision in more detail. Some time near the Memorial Day weekend, the subcommittees will finalize their recommendations, including action relative to rejecting or accepting the Governor's proposal regarding the PLF. The work of the subcommittees will be incorporated into the Assembly and Senate versions of the Budget. And, as is custom and practice, both houses will reject the Budget bills, forcing the appointment of the powerful six-member Budget Conference Committee. The Conference Committee will meet until a Budget is crafted that will be acceptable to Democrats, Republicans, and the Governor.

Posted by claadmin at 3:09 PM

May 11, 2005

Governor's Revised Budget, ACA 7

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

I. GOVERNOR WILL RELEASE "MAY REVISION" OF STATE BUDGET ON FRIDAY - TIME "TBA"

This Friday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is scheduled to release his so-called "May Revision" or "May Revise" of his January Budget. The "May Revise," which is typically presented during the middle of May, allows the Governor and his Department of Finance to assess the state's fiscal condition since January, and make adjustments, offer new proposals, or suggest additional Budget augmentations or reductions. The Governor's Office and Department of Finance have not yet confirmed the time of the Governor's press conference and subsequent release of the May Revise document. As always, we will submit a report to the field as soon as the details of the May Revision are released on Friday (likely some time after noon).

II. ACA 7-NATION PASSES FIRST COMMITTEE: 55% VOTE FOR SPECIAL TAXES

Last week, Assemblyman Joe Nation presented his ACA 7, which would reduce the constitutional vote requirement for approval of a special tax, from a 2/3rds vote to a 55% majority vote. CLA is in support of ACA 7 as it would make it easier to pass much-needed local library funding measures, if the voters so desire. During his presentation on the bill before the Assembly Local Government Committee, Assemblyman Nation noted that the "current structure gives a small minority veto power over the majority," and later added, "It is incredulous for anyone to argue that the 2/3rds vote is fair." Testifying in support of the measure was the League of Cities, representatives of the parks and recreation association, CLA, and various local government lobbyists. Assembly Local Government Committee Chair, Simon Salinas stated that because of the problems associated with passing local taxes at the 2/3rds vote threshold, "My community planned to close the libraries - the home of John Steinbeck. Local communities need to be able to decide. What is more democratic than that?" Committee Vice Chair, Bill Emmerson countered, "A super-majority (vote) is not hard (to obtain) if you can effectively make your point." Assemblyman Nation then explained that in his district, Rohnert Park attempted to pass a local school tax, which failed by slightly more than 100 votes, and caused the district to cut $10 million from its budget, and close services like school libraries. The bill passed from committee on a straight party-line vote with all five Democrats voting "aye" and the two Republicans on the committee voting "no." ACA 7 now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration. The challenge, as the bill moves through the process, will be for Assemblyman Nation to try to gain some Republican support, as ACA 7 will require a two-thirds vote for passage. Typically, bills that lower the threshold to raise taxes are strongly opposed by the majority of the Republicans in both houses.

Posted by claadmin at 4:41 PM

May 9, 2005

Let the Bond Fund Campaign Begin!

Ann Cousineau, Solano County Library Director, has announced the official start of the campaign to pass a $600 million bond for public library construction.

The bond measure will be decided by voters in a statewide referendum. It's slated for the June 2006 ballot. Passing the bond will require a minimum of $500,000 in campaign funds. Raising these funds will require the involvement of every member of CLA both as personal donors and as fundraisers in their communities.

Cousineau, who is serving as the chair of Californians for Literacy and Community Libraries, an organization formed to campaign for approval of the bond measure, launched the effort at CLA Legislative Day held April 20 in Sacramento. Library supporters present at the meeting contributed over $5,400 to start the campaign.

She reminded the group that any community with a project left unfunded at the end of the third round of the last bond had a particularly vested interest in the passage of the new bond. The new bond would dictate that up to half of the $600 million would go toward funding any project left unfunded at the end of the last bond.

How can you help?

Give - giving is easy online at http://yesforlibraries.com with either a Visa or Mastercard. Remit envelopes are also available and we'll be glad to send one to you. Just call campaign headquarters at 916-737-9325.

Volunteer - agree to be a fundraiser in your area. Take the challenge to cultivate at least $2,000 in contributions in your communities from Friends groups, businesses, and individuals.

Spread the word - tell your service groups, community groups, and library supporters about the campaign and draft volunteers in your communities that want to help.

Most of all, don't assume someone else is going to do this. Take the lead and be a pro-active fundraiser in your area. Your involvement is critical to the success of this project.

For more information and to volunteer to help, go to http://yesforlibraries.com or contact Ann Cousineau at acousineau@sbcglobal.net.

Posted by claadmin at 11:42 AM

April 25, 2005

Library Supporters Attend CLA/CSLA Legislative Day 2005

Over 220 library advocates converged on Sacramento from all parts of the state last Wednesday, April 20, for the 2005 California Library Legislative Day sponsored jointly by the California Library Association and the California School Library Association. Attendees spent the day meeting with their senators and state assembly representatives to discuss the need for greater resources to help library staffs better serve their users.

CLA President Danis Kreimeyer welcomed the group at the traditional kick-off welcome and orientation at the Sacramento Convention Center by reminding attendees of the important role that libraries play and the need for vocal advocacy for libraries. CLA Advocate Mike Dillon and CSLA Advocate Jeff Frost provided information on pending issues as well as tips for successful presentations to lawmakers. Also at the morning orientation, Solano County Librarian Ann Cousineau presented news from a task force formed to raise funds to pass the $600 million library construction bond before voters in June 2006. Cousineau kicked off the official fundraising with an appeal to attendees to both contribute personally and participate in the push to raise funds. Many attendees contributed on the spot!

CLA leaders meet with Senator Wesley Chesbro (center), chair of the Senate Budget Committee

All day Wednesday, Library Legislative Day advocates could be seen throughout the Capitol attending dozens of meetings with their elected representatives. A delegation of CLA leadership joined local constituents in their meeting with Senator Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata), chair of the Senate Budget Committee. Attendees at this meeting thanked Senator Chesbro for his demonstrated support for libraries in past sessions and urged his attention to public and school library funding in drafting the 2005-06 budget.

A number of library advocates also had the opportunity to attend the confirmation hearing of State Librarian Susan Hildreth by the Senate Rules Committee. The committee unanimously confirmed Hildreth as Governor Schwarzenegger's appointee for the position following public testimony in support of the nomination by several prominent librarians and library supporters.

Posted by claadmin at 1:49 PM

April 8, 2005

Susan Hildreth's Confirmation, National Library Week

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist; Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

I. SENATE RULES COMMITTEE TO HOLD CONFIRMATION HEARING ON STATE
LIBRARIAN, SUSAN HILDRETH

On Wednesday, April 20, the Senate Rules Committee will meet to consider Governor Schwarzenegger's appointment of former CLA President, Susan Hildreth, as State Librarian. You may recall that Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Ms. Hildreth upon the retirement of Dr. Kevin Starr, but she has been serving as the "Acting State Librarian" until she has full confirmation by the State Senate. The five-member Senate Rules Committee has asked Ms. Hildreth to appear on the 20th, and she will be invited to give a brief opening statement. Members of the Rules Committee may then choose to ask her questions on a variety of subjects, pertaining to the office of State Librarian. Supporters are also welcome to come forward to make a brief statement about the appointment of Ms. Hildreth, and similarly the Committee will also hear from any opponents to the appointment. The Senate Rules Committee will then vote on the confirmation, and if she has sufficient votes, Ms. Hildreth's confirmation will be forwarded to the Senate Floor, where the entire house will vote on her confirmation.

The confirmation hearing of Susan Hildreth will be held the same day as CLA Legislative Day in Sacramento. If you are interested in being present at the hearing, and would like to add your name in support for the record, you may join us in room 113 at 1:30 p.m. at the Capitol. (Seating is extremely
limited.)

If you are interested in supporting the confirmation of Ms. Susan Hildreth as California's State Librarian by letter, please take a moment today to write the five members of the Senate Rules Committee. They are:

Senator Don Perata, Chair
Senator Jim Battin, Vice Chair
Senator Roy Ashburn
Senator Debra Bowen
Senator Gil Cedillo

Sample address:

The Honorable Don Perata
Chair, Senate Rules Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA. 95814

RE: APRIL 20, 2005 CONFIRMATION HEARING OF SUSAN HILDRETH, STATE LIBRARIAN
- SUPPORT

II. ASSEMBLY FLOOR HONORS PUBLIC LIBRARIES DURING "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK"

CLA is sponsoring House Resolution 8, by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, relative to "National Library Week." Specifically, as National Library Week is being celebrated in public libraries throughout California from April 10 through April 16, 2005, CLA would like to recognize the importance of these great community resources. Assemblywoman Wolk was gracious enough to carry the resolution in the Assembly for CLA. HR 8 states that "the Assembly, during National Library Week, applaud the positive and vital impact of California's public libraries, librarians, and all library workers, and thank them for enriching the lives of residents and helping to make our state an exceptional place to live, learn, and work." The resolution became a "consent" item on the Floor this week, meaning that there was strong bi-partisan support for the measure and it was approved by a unanimous vote of those present.

Posted by claadmin at 11:55 AM

April 1, 2005

Volunteers Urgently Needed!

CLA and the CLA Legislative Committee need your help. Library Legislative Day is coming up April 20th, and we have several legislators who have no designated CLA contacts at this point. If you, or someone you know, are planning to attend Library Legislative Day, I urge you to consider being a legislative contact. Duties are simple: contact the legislator's office and request an appointment time, post the appointment on the Legislative Day Website (simple, easy process), attend the meeting along with others who sign up once it's posted on the website or recruit a colleague to attend if you are unable to do so. Please check the list below and see if any of the legislators listed serve your area. If they do and you're willing to take on the contact duties, let me know immediately.

Assembly:
Dave Cogdill (A25)
Mimi Walters (A73)
Lori Saldana (A76)
Jay La Suer (A77)
Juan Vargas (A79)

Senate:
Jeffrey John Denham (S12)
Abel Maldonado (S15)
Dick Ackerman (S33)
Joe Dunn (S34)

Thanks for your help.

Terri Maguire
County of Los Angeles Public Library
tmaguire@gw.colapl.org
(562) 940-8418

Posted by claadmin at 10:28 AM

March 31, 2005

PLF, Budget Update

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist
Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE INDICATES EARLY SUPPORT FOR HELPING PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION "This cut is penny wise and pound foolish."

Late yesterday afternoon, the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met to consider Governor Schwarzenegger's January Budget for the California State Library, and the Public Library Foundation, specifically. You may recall that Governor Schwarzenegger is proposing a small $2.2 million cut to the Public Library Foundation, which would bring the baseline figure for the fund down to $12.1 million. While the proposed cut is considered relatively modest compared to some of the massive cuts proposed in other areas of the Budget, the total reduction to the PLF baseline since Budget Year 2001-02 is a whopping 79 percent. Despite the difficult Budget challenges facing the Governor and the Legislature this year, CLA was pleased when the Assembly Budget Subcommittee expressed their support yesterday to possibly reject the Governor's $2.2 million cut when they finalize their recommendations at the end of May.

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee is Chaired by Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally, and consists of Assemblymembers Wilma Chan, Joe Coto, Lynn Daucher, Jackie Goldberg, and Bob Huff. Yesterday marked the first time that the appointed State Librarian, and former CLA President, Susan Hildreth, appeared before the subcommittee on behalf of the State Library. Her presentation to the subcommittee was one of the best we've seen, and was well received by the members. CLA took the opportunity, during our testimony, to note that we were "exceptionally pleased to have Ms. Hildreth as the State Librarian. As you can tell, she is extremely sharp and a great advocate for libraries." State Librarian Hildreth noted that the "state's fiscal situation is a difficult one. While we have some decreases in our programs, it is not as bad as the past four Budget years. We are stabilizing somewhat." In speaking specifically to the PLF, she noted, "It is a critical fund for public libraries, and is the only clear and consistent way that the state supports libraries." Lastly, she thanked the members for their support of Senator Alpert's 2004 library bond bill, sponsored by CLA, which will appear on the June 2006 ballot, and added that there was considerable demand for library projects throughout the state. When asked by Chairman Dymally what her "vision" was for the State Library as "the new kid on the block," Ms. Hildreth referred to libraries as "the great equalizer" and commented that the Internet had not decreased usage in libraries, but rather had significantly increased usage. She also spoke to the current situation in Salinas, where the entire public library system is facing closure, and offered that libraries are community centers, a "neutral place where people can exchange ideas."

During our testimony regarding the Governor's proposed reduction to the Public Library Foundation, we gave the subcommittee (which contains a few new members) a brief historical overview of the fund and how and why it was created, and spoke to the significance of the state funding for the program. We presented our new "79 % cut chart" which had been updated to reflect the Governor's proposed $2.2 million cut, and explained how the decrease in funding has led to fewer materials purchases, loss of staff, reduced hours at branches, etc. Lastly, we discussed an article that appeared in the Sacramento Bee this weekend, and featured Sacramento Public Library Director Anne Marie Gold and some remarkable statistics regarding the sizeable increase in demand for Internet service at the Sacramento branches. We noted that while the state's deficit is considerable, CLA would nonetheless appreciate help in restoring some of the cuts to the program as soon as possible.

Following our testimony, the representative from the Legislative Analyst's Office concurred that the reductions to the PLF were significant and said that since the Governor's Budget makes "pretty substantial restorations to higher education" in a particular area, "I think you could find $2 million for the PLF." He concluded, "It seems like they've given more than their share." The Department of Finance was then asked to comment, and stated, "We support the Governor's Budget, given the state's fiscal condition."

Subcommittee member, Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg said, "The fund was at $56 million when I first arrived. What this means to low income areas: it means that collections are not up to date, or doors are closed on the weekends, or closed at night. This cut disproportionately hurts people who are striving to get ahead. This cut is penny wise and pound foolish. I hope that we could find $2 million or even $4 million." Echoed Chairman Dymally, "I'm looking at this 79% chart. Is reading not important to us? What a sad commentary." Assemblyman Joe Coto told the subcommittee, "This PLF reduction is much too dramatic. I won't support the Governor's Budget on this." Assemblywoman Goldberg, emphasizing the serious nature of the 79% cut, said, "The last time I went to the library, I was told that they didn't have the book I wanted because they couldn't afford it." Ultimately, the subcommittee decided to approve the State Library's Budget, but first, removed two items: the Public Library Foundation and the California Civil Liberties Public Education Act. With regard to the latter item, the committee would like to consider an evaluation of the Civil Liberties program, at the request of subcommittee member Assemblywoman Daucher. She believes that where there are good examples of programs that were awarded funds, the programs could be replicated statewide. With regard to the Public Library Foundation, the subcommittee decided that they would like to revisit the funding level for the program after the so-called "May Revision" of the Budget, when the subcommittee will have a better idea of the state's fiscal health.

In the meantime, you may wish to write the members of the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees on Education Finance. In your letters to the Assembly subcommittee you may thank the members for their initial support of the PLF and hope that when they consider the issue again after the May Revision, that they restore the $2.2 million. The Senate Subcommittee will hear the issue on Monday, April 25. In your letters to the Senate subcommittee, you should ask them to reject the Governor's proposed $2.2 million reduction to the PLF. Lastly, in your letters, please mention the types of impacts on services the overall 79 percent reduction has meant or will mean to your library - reduced hours, can't purchase bookmobiles or materials, loss of staff positions, etc.

Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number Two on Education Finance

Chair, Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally
Member, Assemblywoman Wilma Chan
Member, Assemblyman Joe Coto
Member, Assemblywoman Lynn Daucher
Member, Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg
Member, Assemblyman Bob Huff

Sample address:

The Honorable Mervyn Dymally
Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number Two on Education Finance State Capitol Sacramento, CA. 95814

Senate Budget Subcommittee Number One on Education Finance

Chair, Senator Jack Scott
Member, Senator Bob Margett
Member, Senator Joe Simitian

Posted by claadmin at 4:28 PM

CLA Honors Senator Alpert

Submitted by Mark Smith, Legislative Chair

Former Senator Dede Alpert is the recipient of an Honorary Membership
in the California Library Association and a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her advocacy on behalf of California Libraries. Alpert received this recognition, along with an award from the Serra Library Cooperative, at a luncheon with several California librarians in Coronado on March 24.

Senator Alpert (left) receives CLA's
Lifetime Achievement Award from
Danis Kreimeier, CLA President

Senator Alpert received the award for her extensive support for library initiatives while in the California State Senate, in particular, her sponsorship and support for legislation that would set aside nearly $1 billion in funding for library construction projects. Legislation creating the first bond fund in the amount of $350 million was co-sponsored by Alpert and approved by voters in 2000. This was the largest one-time appropriation ever for library construction in any state. Last year, Senator Alpert sponsored legislation that would have voters approve a bond of $600 million for public library construction. Not only did the senator sponsor the bill, but she worked hard to ensure that Governor Schwartzenegger sign the bill. That bond will be on the ballot for voters in June 2006.

In receiving her award, Senator Alpert commented that she very much appreciated the Lifetime Achievement Award, but she really valued the honorary membership in the California Library Association because of the important work that librarians do for their communities. Senator Alpert commented that she had taken on some work lately with a lobbying firm, but that she was also enjoying having more time to spend with her grandchildren.

Posted by claadmin at 10:29 AM

March 25, 2005

Register Now for Library Legislative Day

This is your opportunity to remind legislators that all types of libraries are important to their constituents and to make our presence felt in Sacramento. Library staff and library supporters are needed to tell our story--how our libraries have improved the lives of Californians and why continued support is imperative during these tough economic times.

This year's registration is scheduled to begin at 8:00 AM at the Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street, Sacramento. Our program will begin at 8:30 AM and will provide a briefing on the issues prior to your legislative visits. Position papers and fact sheets for Library Legislative Day 2005 will be available on the CLA website no later than April 10.

You may register online, at www.cla-net.org and receive immediate confirmation, or you may go to the CLA website, http://www.cla-net.org/legislation/legday.php and print out a form and mail or fax it to the office. Cost for Legislative Day is $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Once you register, you are ready to sign up for appointments with your legislators. The appointments with legislators are being made and posted on the CLA website by the Legislative Contacts. Once an appointment time has been posted, interested participants should add their names to the list on the website. It's important that you sign up for your appointments in advance through the website, http://www.cla-net.org/legislation/legday.php , so that the Legislative Contacts can give legislative offices an estimate of how many people will be attending each meeting. If no appointment is listed, please check back periodically as it sometimes takes several days for Legislative Contacts to confirm an appointment time.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the CLA office at 916-447-8541, or info@cla-net.org.

See you in Sacramento on April 20.

Posted by claadmin at 2:29 PM

March 8, 2005

Library Advocates Visit Legislators

Submitted by Mark Smith, Legislative Chair

Dozens of librarians and library advocates met with state, local and national representatives on January 28 and February 4 to urge lawmakers to support libraries. The visits were planned as part of the fourth annual "CLA Day in the District," an event that encourages CLA members and other library supporters to visit their legislators in their home offices. Because of the difficulties of scheduling all visits on a single day, two successive Fridays were designated as Day in the District days.

Over the two Day in the District days, library advocates held 98 meetings with California Assembly members and Senators and with U.S. congressional representatives.

Why does CLA have a Day in the District when there is already an annual CLA Legislative Day? The answer is twofold: first, Day in the District offers CLA members who may not be able to travel to Sacramento a structured opportunity to visit with their legislators. Second, and more important, visiting legislators in their district is a more relaxed encounter that allows library supporters to establish and foster long-term connections to their elected representatives. Day in the District is held in late January or early February while the demands of the legislative session are such that members are able to be in their home offices, and on Fridays, a day when most legislators are home.

Whether you are a seasoned library advocate, or you have never before participated in legislative activities, Day in the District provides a fun and enjoyable way to meet your elected officials while informing them of matters of importance to your library.

Posted by claadmin at 10:52 AM

March 3, 2005

ALA/CLA Salinas Visit Report

By Michael Gorman, ALA President Elect

A delegation of library leaders, including Linda Crowe, representing the Monterey Bay Area Cooperative Library System, of which Salinas Public Library is a member; Michael Gorman, ALA President-Elect; Susan Hildreth, California State Librarian; John Kallenberg, former CLA President and former Fresno County librarian; Danis Kreimeier, CLA President; and Vickie Johnson, California Chapter ALA Councilor, met with Salinas community leaders on February 23, 2005 regarding the plan to close all three libraries in the city.

What we learned about Salinas
The overall feel of a long day of meetings was very positive, and the conversations with elected leaders were very frank. While I believe we all were aware the city was financially strapped and the decision to cut library service was not made heedlessly, the presentations we were provided showed the accumulated impacts of a $419 per capita revenue base, decreased sales tax revenue, state raids on city revenue, county charges, increased health and pension costs, and high investments in police and fire (70+ cents on the tax dollar for police alone). It was very clear that the city was left holding the bag for struggling state and county budgets.

It also was stressed that the elimination of library services came only in the third round of cuts implemented by the City Council. Library hours were reduced from 57 to 32 hours per week for the past two fiscal years, and circulation of library materials has fallen proportionately. As context, however, the city's crossing guard program, neighborhood services program and graffiti abatement program were eliminated in the same time period.

It was announced at a press conference given by Mayor Anna Caballero, that the libraries have bought themselves at least a short reprieve. The City Council will meet Tuesday to discuss the likelihood of the libraries maintaining current service levels through the end of the fiscal year, rather than beginning to phase out service in March, as was planned.

The Mayor also announced in that press conference that the pledges and amounts raised to day bring fundraising to $158,000 over three weeks for Rally Salinas! - well on the way to the $500,000 goal by June 30. The $500,000 will allow library service one day a week at all three branches, hopefully through the end of the year, by which time another ballot measure is anticipated. Staffing will be provided by a "team" of library workers, which will rotate through the three libraries during the week. Each library served a very specific purpose and audience and closing one library over another was not a viable solution.

A significant portion of the day was spent discussing the pros and cons to various tax measure options. The City Attorney provided the City Council a report on February 15 outlining the options, which focus on either a general tax or a special tax geared for libraries (or other services). To get a general tax on the ballot before November 2006, the city would need to declare an "emergency." The declaration of an emergency could be challenged in court. A special tax could be put to voters as early as June 7, 2005, but would require the Council to call for the election by March 11. In California, a general tax measure requires a simple majority vote, while a special tax measure requires a two-thirds majority. Polling is the most immediate next step, and state representatives committed to providing technical assistance.

Overall, the delegation's visit was highly visible, with coverage in print and broadcast outlets. Attendance at the evening's public meeting was quite good - with about 150 people in attendance. While it was clear the city was in dire financial straits, the national attention they have received appears to have galvanized the Mayor's Rally Salinas! and the grassroots Save Salinas Libraries efforts.

What's next
The ALA and CLA committed to:

Provide testimony is support of the city's declaration of "emergency," if this is the determination by the City Council

Share data, studies and information that will buttress the argument for the necessity of libraries in the 21st Century

Provide guidance and possibly some in-kind assistance for polling efforts (state level)

Make available national and state library leaders to speak at major events and support marketing efforts

Provide technical support for crafting ballot measure and conducting polling

Delegation members will continue to work with Salinas-designated representatives: Deputy City Manager Jorge Rifa and Friends of the Salinas Libraries President Lynne Steele.

Posted by Neekdesign at 9:47 AM

February 25, 2005

Salinas Visit Recap

By Danis Kreimeier, CLA President

On Wednesday, February 23, a delegation of ALA and CLA leaders met with the Salinas mayor, council members and city staff to learn about the situation facing Salinas' libraries. The delegation learned of the tremendous budget shortfalls that the City is facing and listened to the possible solutions the City, the Council, and the citizens are working toward. It was a very long but informative day for all involved.

The day began at Mayor Anna Caballero's press conference where she announced that Rally Salinas has already raised $158,275 towards the $500,000 goal to keep the libraries open on a limited basis until the end of the year. Lucy Pizarro, owner of the Chapala Restaurant, announced that the restaurant would donate 10% of all proceeds every Wednesday to Rally Salinas. She also encouraged other businesses to join her in her efforts. Ms. Pizarro's commitment to and passion for Salinas' libraries was evident when she stated that "a community without a library is not a healthy community."

Then the delegation met with Assistant City Manager Jorge Rifa who gave an in-depth analysis of Salinas' current budget crisis. Next was a lively conversation with residents who represented the local businesses, Friends of Salinas Libraries, "Save Salinas Libraries" (a grassroots PAC), and members of the mayors Blue Ribbon Committee. The discussion mainly centered on the pros and cons of a general tax initiative vs. a tax initiative targeted specifically for the library. Either option has many different issues to overcome. Only Salinas, its leaders and residents, can decide what is best for their community. ALA and CLA offered support in the way of research and reports that could be helpful.

In the evening, the delegates attended a "Save Salinas Libraries" meeting where Michael Gorman gave a brief talk and answered questions from the audience. After the question and answer period, the attendees broke out into discussion groups with each group focusing on various needs of the campaign such as public relations, fundraising and other topics. With such a well planned meeting and focused group of concerned library supporters I expect that they will run a successful campaign. If you are interested in donating to "Save Salinas Libraries" visit www.savesalinaslibraries.org or click on the logo above.

I would like to thank Mayor Anna Caballero, City Manager Dave Mora, Assistant City Manager Jorge Rifa, library staff and the community for their time and their gracious hospitality during such a distressful time. Visiting Salinas and spending a day with the people who care most about its libraries, the residents and officials, I know that they will work hard to find a solution to their current crisis and CLA will be there with any information need they might have, ready to assist when asked.

Posted by claadmin at 8:59 AM

February 7, 2005

State Budget Update

To: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

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

Subject: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

I. LITTLE HAPPENING IN SACRAMENTO
Subsequent to the Governor's speech, where he discussed his initiatives and the submission of his Budget, little has been happening in Sacramento. In response to the Governor's major initiatives - Legislative Redistricting, a cap on State Expenditures, changing STRS & PERS to defined contribution plans, eliminating teacher tenure - both the Assembly and the Senate Democrats have planned hearings throughout the state for "public input" on the Governor's plan. Budget Subcommittee hearings are also scheduled in Sacramento on major provisions of the Governor's Budget.

Meanwhile, the Governor had intended for the Senate and Assembly to begin holding hearings on his reforms, immediately at the Capitol, in a January and February "Special Session." Now, both the Governor and Legislature have been recently engaged in verbal jousting matches, as the legislature claims they are awaiting "greater detail" on the Governor's reforms before hearings at the Capitol can commence, while the Governor is chiding the legislature for their perceived "inactivity."

II. PRELIMINARY REVIEWS OF THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET
Last week, both the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees held brief overview hearings on the Governor's proposed 2005-06 State Budget. Assemblyman John Laird, new Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, opened the Assembly hearing by stating that this "is one of the most difficult budget years in California's history." He went on to add that this year's budget process would involve hearings throughout the state so that "the people of California could be heard." Meanwhile, on the Senate side, new State Finance Director (and former State Senator and Congressman) Tom Campbell, attempted to defend the Governor's radical proposal to trigger across-the-board cuts in all areas of the Budget, in future years when expenditures exceed revenues. Legislators cautioned that K-12 education and health and human services would likely bear the brunt of those cuts. The budget bills, Assembly Bill 90 (Laird) and Senate Bill 52 (Chesbro), will serve as the budget bills for the Assembly and Senate, respectively. Multiple "trailer bills" will also be introduced in both houses as vehicles for statutory changes necessary to implement the final budget agreement.

III. LAO OVERVIEW OF THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET
Elizabeth Hill, the State Legislative Analyst, recently released her office's Overview of the Governor's Budget. The overview states, "The Governor's proposal contains significant programs' savings, particularly in K-12 education, social services, transportation - - and borrowing to address the State's 2005-06 budget shortfall. While the 2005-06 proposal has several positive attributes, it falls well short of addressing the State's ongoing projected fiscal imbalances. Moreover, its budget reform proposals would put more future state spending on 'cruise control' and hamper the ability of future policy makers to establish budget priorities." In her remarks before the Budget Subcommittees, she noted that the Governor's proposed Budget would take care of only one-half of the $10 billion deficit problem the State is facing in 2006-07. The Analyst's actual analysis of the Governor's Budget is not due out until the last week in February. The traditional two-inch thick document will be the starting point for various subcommittees in both the Assembly and Senate to begin discussions on the Governor's Budget, starting in early March. In the meantime, with the final bill introduction deadline of February 18th, relatively few bills have been introduced to-date. Consequently, there is little activity around the Capitol these days with brief Senate and Assembly Floor Sessions on Mondays and Thursdays only.

Posted by claadmin at 8:02 AM

January 10, 2005

Governor's Budget - Proposed cuts to PLF, Library Development and English Aquisition programs

TO: CLA MEMBERS/ SYSTEMS/ NETWORK CONTACTS

FROM: Mike Dillon, Lobbyist
Christina Dillon, Lobbyist

RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL

I. GOVERNOR PRESENTS 2005-06 BUDGET - RELATIVE SIGH OF RELIEF FOR LIBRARIES

Shortly after 1 p.m. this afternoon, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger presented his much-anticipated 2005-06 Budget, as required by law, in a large conference room able to accommodate the massive press corps presence. The Governor referred to the document as "an honest Budget to meet the state's needs." He referred to a series of graphs and charts "which show the lunacy of our current system. We have $5 billion in revenues, and $10 billion in required expenditures. If we don't resolve this, we will have deficits as far as the eye can see." He later added, "Increasing taxes is out of the question - we don't have a revenue problem, we have an expenditure problem and a formula problem." As previously reported, the state is facing a massive $8 billion Budget deficit for the 2005-06 Budget year, and a potential $10 billion deficit the following year, absent corrective actions.

In recent weeks, as information leaked out in the press about the Governor's plan to cut deeply into departments and programs to balance the Budget, we feared that the Public Library Foundation would be particularly vulnerable to a sizeable reduction or total elimination. Thus, we were surprised, and somewhat pleased, to see that Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed only a modest reduction to the Public Library Foundation of $2.2 million, leaving $12.1 million in the fund. While we would obviously prefer no reduction in the PLF baseline, we thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of preserving the fund in these difficult Budget times. Specifically, the Governor's Budget
states:

6120 California State Library

Local Assistance: Due to the State's fiscal crisis, we have reduced the Public Library Foundation by $2.2 million, Library Development [CLSA] by $828,000, and English Acquisition programs by $276,000 for a total of $3.3 million.

The Governor did provide a $329,000 General Fund augmentation for the acquisition and implementation of a replacement automated library system to support the CSL's Braille and Talking Book Library operations.

II. GOVERNOR CALLS "SPECIAL SESSION" TO ADDRESS BUDGET
AND OTHER KEY ISSUES

On January 6, 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger presented a proclamation to the legislature, calling for a "Special Session" of the Assembly and Senate to consider four major areas of reform. Specifically, the Governor wants the following four areas addressed, in an expedited manner during the 2005 session: 1) budget reform so that "government will be better able to keep spending within the amount of available revenues and thereby avoid budget deficits," 2) legislation to reform the pension system "for future government employees from one that provides retirees a defined retirement benefit, to one that requires the state to pay a defined or fixed contribution each year into employee pension accounts," 3) merit pay for teachers, 4) legislative boundary "redistricting."

When asked today how he intends to proceed with the special session, in the event that the legislature does not pass his reforms, the Governor told a member of the press, "I want to work with the legislators. The legislators were sent to Sacramento to do the work. When it breaks down, then we go to the people." The Governor stated in his State of the State address last week that he is looking toward the summer months to call a special election for the public to consider these reforms.

Posted by claadmin at 9:08 AM

January 4, 2005

Welcome to the CLA Weblog

In the coming months, we will be adding articles to each of the main categories to your left. Our most recent articles will appear here on our weblog home page. You can also scan through the archives by Month or Recent Entries or use the Search this site tool to your left.

We hope you enjoy reading our articles!

Posted by claadmin at 6:00 PM

Archives by Month

Recent Entries

Search Weblog

October 17, 2007

News From the Capitol

August 24, 2007

Governor slashes PLF and TBR

August 21, 2007

State Budget Finally Passes

July 10, 2007

News From the Capitol

June 21, 2007

Budget Conference Committee Approves Additional PLF Funding

June 1, 2007

Library Construction Bond and Homework Help Bills Held

May 23, 2007

News from the Capitol

May 14, 2007

News from the Capitol

May 11, 2007

Library Bond Bill to be Amended

May 3, 2007

Library Legislative Day Pictorial!

April 23, 2007

Library Legislative Day in Sacramento a Success!

April 11, 2007

Demystifying Grassroots Lobbying

March 29, 2007

News From the Capitol

March 2, 2007

News from the Capitol - Action Requested

March 1, 2007

Library Legislative Day Registration has Begun!

January 30, 2007

Library Bond Measure and Budget Committees Announced

January 23, 2007

Day in the District Talking Points

January 10, 2007

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

Day in the District

November 17, 2006

Legislative Analyst's Fiscal Outlook

September 1, 2006

Senate and Assembly Close Out 2005-2006 Session

June 30, 2006

Governor Signs Budget

June 28, 2006

Budget Passes with Augmentation for PLF and TBR

June 8, 2006

CLA Statement on Proposition 81

May 24, 2006

Budget Subcommittees Wrap-Up Work

May 12, 2006

Governor's May Revision of State Budget is Great News for Libraries

May 9, 2006

Library Cheer!

May 5, 2006

Senate Budget Subcommittee Considers PLF and TBR

April 12, 2006

Join Me for Library Legislative Day!

April 4, 2006

National Library Week

March 22, 2006

Join Us for Library Legislative Day!

March 20, 2006

News From the Capitol

March 7, 2006

Campaign for Prop 81 Gears Up

February 14, 2006

ALA Council Report

January 20, 2006

2006 Day in the District

January 10, 2006

Governor Releases 2006-07 Budget, No Further Cuts to Public Library Foundation

December 16, 2005

Infrastructure Bond Discussions Abound

November 21, 2005

No Time Like the Present to Give to the Bond Fund Campaign

November 1, 2005

CLA Program to Explore Public Library Bond Fund