Statehouse Updates
April 25, 2017
Thank your state legislator for additional internet connectivity funds!
Because of your grassroots efforts, paired with our direct lobbying in the statehouse, the Indiana General Assembly included additional funds to support internet connectivity for libraries and schools. Libraries will receive an additional $1M and schools will receive an additional $2M over the biennium for total of $5M per year for all.

INSPIRE was also funded at the requested levels. 

Please be sure to thank your state legislators and invite them to your library or school. Show your appreciation by tweeting a photo of patrons/students on computers or using devices. Write a letter to the editor. Need other suggestions? Contact us. 

Thanks to our Legislative Advocates at Bose Public Affairs, here is your final:
  • Legislative Update from Bose - includes an overview of the prior week of the session. (archived Bose Reports at bottom of linked page)

  • Bill Tracking List - Note that this is a list of bills that may relate to our ILF Policy Priorities and for bills that are still alive. We will provide a separate action alert with key facts or talking points when appropriate. 
Deadline to receive your letters: April 28 
Let us deliver it on May 2 in Washington, D.C. 
Indiana Library Federation (ILF) is collecting letters to share with our members of Congress about the value of InfoExpress, Evergreen, SRCS, Talking Books, summer reading support and other services from the Indiana State Library. Each of these critical services is supported by the LSTA grant, which is targeted for elimination under the president's proposed budget.

We would like to have l etters from libraries, staff, volunteers, patrons and supporters to deliver in Washington, D.C. when at least six of us will be meeting with members of Congress and/or their staff on May 2. View our draft letters (2 versions) with suggestions.  Email Lucinda your letter (customized, on letterhead and signed) or a request for help in customizing your letter with specific examples from your community. DEADLINE: April 28.