Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
September 15, 2017
Help us identify and assess policy priorities
Complete survey by Sept. 28
The  ILF Strategic Vision 2017-2022   and  ILF Work Plan 2017-2019  include specific advocacy goals and objectives to advance library services for the benefit of Indiana residents. 

Please review  list of policy ideas  and  complete survey by 9/29 .

The ILF Legislative Committee is gearing up for the ILF Legislative Fall Forum , where members and stakeholders provide input about our ILF short-term and long-term policies priorities. We want to assess all types of  specific legislative changes  that have been identified by members AND that align with our  Strategic Vision .

I t's not too late to register for Legislative Fall Forum on 10/5 . The committee takes the input and feedback from a survey and the in-person discussion at the Fall Forum to develop ILF's 2018 Policy Priorities.
ILF advocates for rural broadband
The Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications considered many issues related to rural broadband. ILF Executive Director Lucinda Nord testified on behalf of Indiana libraries at the 9/14 hearing. Read her prepared comments . Or view coverage on WISH-TV .

Rep. Sharon Negele closed out the meeting explaining that high-speed internet has gone from luxury to necessity. The study committee may recommend draft legislation for the 2018 session of the Indiana General Assembly. Possible ideas may include:
* creating a statewide commission
* clarifying definitions for coverage (both speed and mapping)
* subsidies / incentives to providers
* relaxation or clarifications of certain rules for faster or easier build out by providers (i.e. easements along roadsides)

ILF will continue to champion rural broadband and the important roles libraries play in meeting the needs for people without access and who cannot afford it.
Legislative Interim Study Committees
Interim study committees are underway at the Indiana General Assembly. ILF is monitoring a few that relate to work in libraries.

The Interim Study Committee on Education Committee studied the issue of providing in-state college tuition for DACA students, sometimes called Dreamers. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals , or DACA, is the process for children of illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children may apply on a 2-year basis to work, attend college and serve in the military. Later this fall, the committee is expected to address the state's plan for compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act .
Upcoming study committees:

ILF and our contracted lobby firm Bose Public Affairs continue to monitor committees for issues that relate to libraries or our Strategic Vision .
Seventeen Indiana Libraries host DWD Sessions
Seventeen public libraries host employer input sessions for Indiana Department of Workforce Development during September. See calendar. Thanks to the many libraries that are raising the profile of Indiana's libraries with leading employers across the state. This is a part of the SkillUp grant process. This effort is a part of a collaboration with IN Department of Workforce Development.