Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
December 30, 2019
In this issue of your ILF Advocacy Update
What YOU can do
Indiana General Assembly Kicks of January 6

The Indiana General Assembly kicks off the "short session" on January 6 and anticipates adjourning by March 11. In the 10 short weeks, legislative leaders intend to address a long list of issues, including the legal age for smoking and vaping, cell phone use while driving, and a continued focus on workforce development. Republican leaders have indicated that the issue of teacher pay will not be addressed during this non-budget session, though they will create the hold harmless provision related to ILEARN scores and aim to remove or amend the 15-credit externship requirement. This year will also see debates about various forms of marijuana legalization.

What YOU can do:
* Learn about the committees and see where your State Senator and State Representative serve.
* Watch as bills are posted over the next three weeks.

Too little time to follow the detail? Then be sure you are subscribed to our ILF Advocacy Updates , which switch to weekly issue during the legislative session. ILF members may also sign up for Virtual Advocacy Updates , where ILF Advocacy Committee leaders provide a verbal update and answer questions--every other Monday at 10 am ET through session.
ILF Statehouse Day - Mon., Feb. 10
Will you plan to join us at Library Day at the Statehouse on Monday, February 10? If so, register here . (Note date change from prior emails).

We provide preparation training and match you with a more experienced advocate for meetings with legislators to discuss our ILF Policy Priorities. This date is timed before the second half of this short session, when we hope to advance a library bill (described below). Check out the photos from the 2019 event .
Bookmark this page - Improved ILF Legislative Action Center
Your Indiana Library Federation aims to make it easier to stay informed and take action during the 2020 legislative session. We are continuing to improve our Action Center , where you may find your legislator, register for a Virtual Advocacy Update or Statehouse Day, and more. Watch for issue briefs coming soon.
ILF Legislative and Policy Priorities for 2020

Your Indiana LIbrary Federation has been working on possible legislation related to public libraries. We aim to clarify elements of HEA1343 and criminal history check legislation from the 2019 session. We also aim to call attention to the important work public libraries do to support family reunification for children in foster care. The 2020 ILF Legislative Policy Priorities outline the policy areas where we will focus in 2 020. We actively advocate for :
  • Stable taxing structures that support libraries.
  • Library card access for children in foster care.
  • Certified school librarians, supported by library assistant paraprofessionals in state-funded K-12 education.
  • Initiatives that provide additional broadband coverage to increase access, affordability, speed and capacity for residents and communities, including schools and libraries. 
ILF continues to support lifelong learning in pre-k and adult education, as well as state funding for internet connectivity, INSPIRE and school libraries. ILF remains positioned for action on policy issues that affect libraries. Members of the  ILF Advocacy Committee  guide the fast-paced action during the session.
Federal Advocacy - LSTA funding increased for 2020
Your Indiana Library Federation advocates for federal funding and policies for libraries. On December 20, Congress finalized the 2020 budget, increasing funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds. See news release from ALA for details . In Indiana, the federal funding enables important collaborative services provided by the Indiana State Library (ISL), such as InfoExpress, Statewide Remote Circulation System (SRCS) and Evergreen, INSPIRE, Summer Reading, Talking Books and Braille Services, and much more. See ISL's Five-Year Plan for details.
General Assembly Links
Indiana Library Federation Links