Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
January 18, 2019
In this issue of your ILF Advocacy Update
  • Updates from the Statehouse
  • Quick Links
  • Bills of interest to Public Libraries
What YOU can do
What you missed in prior issues - Catch up here - Be sure to review the Jan. 11 issue , full of important information and links.
Updates from the Indiana Statehouse
Here are the highlights from the past week in the Statehouse:
  • Governor Eric Holcomb offered the State of the State Address, including his proposals to increase broadband access and teacher pay and to address issues related to the opioid crisis.
  • Supreme Court Justice Loretta Rush offered the State of the Judiciary.
  • The Ways and Means Committee began hearing state agency presentations.
  • Legislative committees began meeting, discussing and passing draft legislation to chamber floors.
  • State agencies continued making arrangements related to the federal government shutdown.

The Indiana Library Federation and its contracted firm, Bose Public Affairs, continued with a full week of meetings with legislators for whom this is their first legislative session and with legislative leaders, getting to know them and sharing ILF's 2019 Policy Priorities . ILF Members may find our ILF Bill Track link on page 2 of the Bose Report (member login required).
Quick Links from Indiana Library Federation
Bills of interest to Public Libraries
The House version of the Budget, HB1001, includes funding for internet connectivity and INSPIRE , as well as support for Indiana State Library. We appreciate that the Governor and the House budget writers included these important supports for Hoosiers.

We are watching several bills related to library budgets, capital projects, property and local income taxes . We do not anticipate a comprehensive bill related to township reforms or forced mergers of townships.

HB1343 would subject a library board to binding review and approval of the public library budget . Having been authored in years past by Rep. Dan Leonard, this year's bill is joined by Rep. Holli Sullivan as a co-author. ILF has met with Reps. Leonard and Sullivan, and has started meeting with members of the Local Government Committee and key stakeholders, as this bill is gaining ground. ILF invites its members to learn more on the Jan. 28 Update (see below).

What YOU can do:
  • Stay informed.
  • Communicate with all legislators the value of the tax structure that supports libraries and the State budget appropriations for INSPIRE and Internet Connectivity.
  • Attend the Advocacy Update on Jan. 28 to learn more.
What YOU can do: Attend Advocacy Update on Jan. 28
Do you have questions about advocacy for INSPIRE, underlying tax supports, teacher librarians or other bills you have seen in the news? ILF offers bi-weekly Advocacy Virtual Updates during the legislative session. Learn the inside scoop from our Advocacy Committee co-chairs and staff. Share what you are hearing about issues in your local community. Ask questions. Learn more about the issues. While usually a member-only benefit, we have extended the Jan. 28 session for all public libraries.

RSVP for the VIRTUAL Advocacy Update at 10am ET on January 28 to receive the link to join the online meeting by computer or telephone. Note that sessions are scheduled bi-weekly: 1/28, 2/11, 2/25, 3/11, 3/25 and 4/8.
What YOU can do: Attend a Third House or Meet Your Legislator event
Legislators meet with constituents through "Meet your Legislator," "Third House" or "Cracker Barrel" events from December through May. Sessions are often hosted by a local library, chamber of commerce or League of Women Voters. See our calendar for upcoming Third House events in your area.

WATCH THIS 11-SECOND VIDEO for an example of what happens at one of the Third House sessions from Hamilton County, 1/11/19. Thanks to ILF Advocacy Committee member and Carmel Clay Public Library Trustee Jane Herndon for the photos.
Prepping to Meet Your Legislator
  1. Find your legislators where you live and where you work. Research their bio and committees.
  2. Download the 2019 Policy Priorities or one-pager. Email us for specific information and let us know what you learn. Develop a relationship.
  3. Plan to develop or deepen your relationships with legislators and key influencers in the community. Introduce yourself. Offer to be a resource for them about any library questions.
Register for Library Day at the Statehouse - March 12
The Indiana Library Day at the Statehouse will be held Tuesday, March 12 . Plan to attend and bring a board member or community library champion. Register today.

Note: we also are looking for a few volunteer photographers. Email us to volunteer or with questions.

Photos: at left, subset of the attendees from the 2018 attendees.
What YOU can do: Complete this survey - LAST CHANCE
As we meet with legislators, it is helpful to have compelling examples related to our policy priorities. Please complete the survey appropriate for your library type:
We also use data that libraries submit to Indiana State Library. Thank you in advance for your examples and photos. Do you offer an outstanding program that benefits Hoosiers? Email us the story, report and photos.