Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
November 10, 2017
Legislative Updates from Bose Public Affairs
Matt Long serves as our primary account manager with Bose Public Affairs , our contracted firm for government affairs and lobbying. Through our contract, we have access to the entire team of government affairs experts.

See the latest report from Bose Public Affairs for a summary of news from the Statehouse. (Remember that Bose Reports require your ILF Member Login. Contact us if you forgot your login or password.)

If you are attending the ILF Annual Conference , be sure to attend the Legislative Update session on Wednesday afternoon.
ILF filed comments about E-Rate Category 2
with the Federal Communications Commission
Indiana Library Federation filed comments on 10/23/17 with the Federal Communications Commission in support of continuation of Category 2 E-Rate funding . In this last funding cycle, 74 branches of 20 public libraries were reimbursed over $811,000 in support of their Wi-Fi and internet connection access. To review other filings, look up WC Docket # 13-184 or search for Indiana.
ILF Adult Literacy Study in Progress
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) awarded ILF a contract to lead the Adult Literacy Study , as a result of SEA108 . ILF contracted with Community Solutions , an experienced research and consulting firm, to complete the study with input from experts in and providers of adult literacy services. Key stakeholders recognize that individuals who test below a 6th grade reading level often do not have the same access to certain state-funded or federally-funded programs and rely on community-based programs. This study will help policymakers understand the universe of providers, the breadth, depth and gaps in services.

Many thanks to public library directors and staff who participated in the survey or interviews. Combined with members of the Indiana Literacy Association and the Indiana Association for Adult and Continued Education , researchers are reviewing over 223 responses from organizations that have served residents in all 92 counties.

We will submit the report to DWD by November 15, which will then make the report available to the Indiana General Assembly and the State Workforce Innovation Council . We anticipate providing our ILF members and key stakeholders key findings shortly thereafter.
ICYMI: Quick Links from Fall Forum 2017
In case you missed it (ICYMI): IPLA and Fall Forum materials are available.

Leading researcher and analyst from IU Public Policy Institute, Drew Klacik shared recent findings and perspectives about the changing demographics in Indiana. Chief Strategy Officer for IN Department of Workforce Development Nick Goodwin spoke at the Fall Forum. Check out presentations from Drew Klacik or Nick Goodwin .

Participants were excited to receive the first copies of the ILF Advocacy Planning Guide (member login required).

At top, Legislative Committee co-chair MacKenzie Ledley describes the proposal discussed at her table. View the photos from IPLA and Fall Forum .

The Legislative Committee is reviewing survey responses and input from the Fall Forum to create the ILF Policy Priority document for 2018. Coming soon.
ALA highlighted ILF's Advocacy Efforts
The American Library Association (ALA) recently published an article about our legislative success and strategies in the 2017 session. The Office of Communications described our use of the Libraries Transform Indiana campaign. See the ALA article , which features a quote from Dr. Tim Brown , chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Rep. Brown will be awarded the ILF Legislative Advocacy Award at the ILF Annual Conference.