Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
January 10, 2020
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In this issue of your
ILF Advocacy Update
What YOU can do
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ILF Statehouse Day - Mon., Feb. 10
Will you join us at
Library Day at the Statehouse
on Monday, February 10? If so,
register here
.
We provide preparation training and match you with a more experienced advocate for meetings with legislators to discuss our ILF Policy Priorities. We timed the date 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
.
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The "short session" of the Indiana General Assembly
The
Indiana General Assembly
kicked off the "short session" on January 6. Bills are still being posted, so we will dedicate this issue to describe what may happen this session before legislators anticipate adjourning March 11.
What happens in Week 1?
Week 1 is filled with
bills
being posted, heard in the first chamber, and assigned to
committees
. The standing committees hold their first meetings, where legislators introduce themselves and review their rules of procedure (i.e. how long an amendment may be posted before a hearing, the length of public testimony). Certain priority bills of the leadership are heard. This year, the first bills heard related to the "hold harmless" provisions related to the ILEARN tests.
What should we anticipate for libraries?
ILF proactively requested legislation this session, and much of our advocacy efforts will focus on educating legislators about the three issues in our proposed "Library Matters" bill (see below). ILF responds to bills related to
ILF's 2020 Policy Priorities
. When a bill is proposed that would change the underlying tax structure, operating, or financial policies for libraries, your
ILF's Advocacy team
evaluates the bill and responds accordingly. For the 2020 session, several bills could impact Property Taxes, Local Income Tax, and Construction requirements. As of 1/10, we do not anticipate bills will directly address academic, school, or special libraries (outside of the major education bills); however, we are always monitoring bills that
might
have an amendment inserted that could impact all types of libraries. Generally, we anticipate that our efforts on the Library Matters bill will be the primary focus during this short session.
ILF Advocacy in Week 1 and the "Library Matters" bill
ILF testified on
HB1100, Local Government Matters
. ILF testified in support of the notice requirements related to any proposed changes to Local Income Tax (LIT). ILF monitors bills before committees related to local government and fiscal matters, as many bills could impact libraries. ILF Members may see
ILF's bill list linked in the Bose Report
. For example,
HB1113
, DLGF, proposes a library budget
change assessed value to max levy and date from Sept. 30 to Nov. 1
.
ILF has been working with Sen. Glick on a
"Library Matters bill"
related to public libraries. We are calling attention to the important work public libraries do to support family reunification for children in foster care. We seek to clarify elements of HEA1343 and criminal history checks from the 2019 session. As of Friday AM, 1/10, the bill is not yet posted. ILF will inform its members when a hearing is scheduled or when action is needed.
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What YOU can do to Advocate for Libraries
We invite ILF members, as well as library supporters, to join our advocacy efforts. Here are a few things you can do:
Supporters - open to all
ILF Members
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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
next week.
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