Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation January 17, 2020

In this issue of your ILF Advocacy Update The Library Bill and Position briefs NOW available Week 2 of Indiana General Assembly Library Day at the Statehouse Feb. 10 Quick Links - including the Legislative Report with specific ILF Bill Track List from Bose Public Affairs for ILF members only. What YOU can do Stay informed. Take action - What YOU can do today! Join ILF. Renew your Membership in ILF. Use the RENEW20 promo code at checkout for a $10 discount on your Personal Membership. Public and Academic libraries may renew Institutional Membership. Be sure your staff and colleagues are subscribed to the Advocacy Updates.

The Library Bill, SB410, and Position Briefs A former trustee at LaGrange Public Library who understands library issues, Sen. Sue Glick authored SB410, Libraries . ILF worked with the senator, libraries, and key stakeholders to address the issues from the 2019 session. The bill includes language to 1) clarify language from HEA1343, 2) allow libraries to serve foster children, and 3) require criminal history check policies, as well as items requested by Indiana State Library and Department of Local Government Finance regarding clarification of the “adopting fiscal body” rather than the “fiscal body that established the library.” The hearing has not yet been scheduled, though it could be next Thursday. ILF is pleased to share information about three key elements contained in SB410: Increasing transparency and understanding in public library finances Reinforcing safety at public libraries with criminal history check policies Ensuring that Hoosier foster children have access to a library card ILF members may learn more on the Virtual Update on Mon., Jan. 20 . ILF members should also watch their email next week for more details, including an option for ILF Text Alerts about urgent calls to action.

Week 2 of the Indiana General Assembly  The Indiana General Assembly was in full action this week, as they posted and heard bills, and passed multiple bills out of committee and the floor. ILF Advocacy in Week 2 ILF testified in support of the library-friendly elements of HB1113, the annual DLGF bill . HB1113 included provisions to 1) align the library budget adoption date with other units (Nov. 1); 2) c ontinue notice provisions for Local Income Tax (LIT), as libraries receive on average 23% of funding from LIT; and 3) allow large property tax refunds to be spread over multiple years. This last provision helps all units, including libraries in areas of these types of appeals, such as in Lake County. ILF monitored bills related to ILF Policy Priorities . M embers may see ILF's bill list linked in the Bose Report .

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 .

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 Visit our ILF Legislative Action Center, where you may learn about our Priorities, your legislator, Third House Sessions, and so much more. Plan to participate in the "We [heart] Our Library" yard sign campaign the week of Valentine's Day (see the 1/8 issue of Focus for more info). Forward this email to two friends and invite them to subscribe to our ILF Advocacy Updates. ILF Members Renew your membership so that you do not miss any member-only content. Review the weekly Bose Report, linked in the weekly Advocacy Update. Register for the ILF Virtual Advocacy Updates, held bi-weekly through session. Register for ILF Library Day at the Statehouse, Feb. 10. Sign up for ILF Text Alerts (contact the office if you missed the Virtual Update or email). Contact us for customized advocacy services related to your library.

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.

General Assembly Links Find your Legislator Committees Bills Indiana Library Federation Links ILF Legislative Action Center 2020 Priorities ILF Advocacy Updates - Members scroll down with login for Bose Reports Focus Newsletters Subscribe to Advocacy Updates Members Only - Renew, Update your Profile, Access Member Only Documents (Bose Reports, Minutes) Libraries Transform Indiana graphics for member-only download

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