A team of six from Indiana Library Federation (ILF) met with all 11 offices of the Indiana Congressional delegation. We discussed the critical importance of federal funding and supportive policies for libraries. With each member or their legislative staff, we discussed issues relevant to their committee roles and the importance of federal funding. That week, Congress passed an omnibus bill that extended funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services through Sept. 30.  Photo below left to right: Jake Speer, State Librarian; Edra Waterman, Hamilton East Public Library; Robin Crumrin, Indiana State University; Sen. Joe Donnelly; Terry Rheinheimer, Middlebury Public Library; Monica Casanova, Monticello-Union Township Public Library; and Lucinda Nord ILF Executive Director.

We expressed our appreciation for their support of library funding and our desire to be a resource to legislators and staff as they consider important issues. We invited members and their staff to visit libraries when they are in the district. We delivered information and letters from academic, public and school libraries--even a few letters from patrons. 

We explained how LSTA grants digitized historical records, enhanced technology, shared print and digital resources through InfoExpress or inter-library loan systems and more. Thanks to ILF members who sent letters (at left). 

The Indiana General Assembly adjourned i n the wee hours of the morning on April 22. Governor Holcomb signed most bills and vetoed one (related to a public records search fee).  Now what?

The Legislative Council will meet May 25 to decide which topics will be studied this summar/fall (in the "interim"). We will monitor and be active if any involve libraries.

State agencies will prepare new budgets and rules for enacted laws that take effect July 1. 

Please be sure to thank your state legislators for the increased funding for internet connectivity and the stable funding for INSPIRE. Invite them to your library or school to see students and patrons in action.

Thanks to our Legislative Advocates at Bose Public Affairs, here is another update:

Eight of the ten school referendums passed last Tuesday. See document for a graph with tax rate and final votes. The Cannelton City Schools vote failed by only 3 votes.