CLA LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 2020

Presented by the Advocacy & Legislative Committee to further the mission of California libraries

The California Library Association Executive Board works with the CLA Advocacy & Legislative Committee, CLA lobbyists and association members to make a difference for California libraries and the communities they serve, working primarily at the state level; some support is offered for local and national advocacy. CLA is a non-partisan organization.

CLA supports local libraries and their advocates in building strong relationships with communities, legislators and leaders through Day in the District and other outreach.

CLA actively advocates for:

●      Infrastructure Needs of California Libraries

●      Equitable Access to Library and Information Services including:

○      Broadband Equity for California Communities

○      eMedia and Electronic Resources

●      Library participation/representation in statewide initiatives for:

○      Early Education

○      Adult/Family Literacy

○      Digital Literacy

○      Career Support

○      Services for Vulnerable Populations

○      After-School/Summer Programs for Youth

○      Other Educational and Social Service Programs

●      California State Library Funding and Budget Enhancements

CLA generally supports the positions taken by the American Library Association in other key action areas, including:

●      Intellectual Freedom

●      Privacy

●      Census 2020

●      Net Neutrality

CLA also monitors all state legislation that may impact items on the above list or that are identified as having an impact on libraries, library funding and/or library staff.

Approved and adopted by the CLA Executive Board on October 26, 2019