Library Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
December 31, 2020
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In this issue of your Library Advocacy Update
- Virtual updates begin 1/4
- Indiana General Assembly reconvenes 1/4
- ILF Policy Priorities
- Broadband Workgroup
- IN Teacher Pay Commission Report
- Details on new federal omnibus and COVID bill
Key Links
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Indiana Library Federation VIRTUAL Advocacy Updates resume Jan. 4, 10 am ET
Stay informed and engaged with our library advocacy. We are proactive in our advocacy for Indiana libraries! Here are ways we work to keep you informed:
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weekly emailed Advocacy Updates, which are open to all. Subscribe here.
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reports from Bose Public Affairs, our contracted firm with a constant presence in the Statehouse (a members-only benefit)
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virtual advocacy updates, which are a member-only benefit. In order to all you time to renew your membership, we will be open to ALL through January. Register for the virtual updates, which will be held at 10amET (9amCT) on Mondays, Jan. 4 and 25. Advocacy Committee leaders share updates and respond to questions.
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Indiana General Assembly reconvenes January 4
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write the two-year budget for the period July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2023; and
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redraw the legislative districts for both federal and state legislative districts, once the new Census numbers are available.
Bills are already being posted. Review here. ILF hopes to post its bill-tracking list for members in the next issue.
Social distancing requirements will limit the number of people in the Statehouse and will encourage the use of online meetings. Plans to testify must be submitted 5 days in advance, and testimony will be provided electronically from a separate room.
What does this mean for ILF? Relationships with legislators are more important than ever. ILF will rely more heavily on the team at Bose Public Affairs. Our success is dependent upon local relationships by our members, including with the newly elected and appointed legislators (see list in the 11/4 Bose Report). Do you know the newly elected? Contact us to let us know your relationship.
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ILF's 2021 Policy Priorities
Using input from the Member and Advocacy surveys, the ILF Advocacy Committee developed our policy priorities for 2021. Below lists the priorities that Indiana Library Federation...
ACTIVELY ADVOCATES for…
- Stable taxing structure that supports libraries
- Funding to support internet connectivity for schools and libraries
- Expanded broadband that is affordable, reliable, and at a speed practical for remote work and eLearning
- Effective school library programs with qualified teacher librarians supported by library assistants and school library materials
SUPPORTS
- Funding for INSPIRE, Indiana’s virtual library
- Lifelong learning initiatives to increase literacy, educational attainment, and workforce development.
- Ensuring library service to enhance a quality of place for all Indiana residents
WILL MONITOR AND BE POSITIONED FOR ACTION related to the following:
- Efforts to re-organize local government.
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Updating the definition of library services in the Indiana Code to reflect how libraries are responsive to changing needs in communities.
- Efforts to restrict the ability of libraries to deliver services.
- Changes to employment, compensation and retirement programs affecting library staff.
Policy briefs will be posted soon.
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ILF Broadband Workgroup
ILF convened a meeting between public libraries and Scott Rudd, Director of the IN Broadband Office, on 12/22 to discuss ways public libraries support the adoption, implementation, and digital literacy components of rural broadband expansion. If you are interested in joining this workgroup, contact Lucinda with broadband in the subject line.
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Teacher Pay Commission Report and School Librarians
(BTW, Librarians are Teachers!)
In addition to explaining the importance of competitive teacher pay, the Teacher Pay Commission Report provides 37 recommendations and strategies to increase teacher pay and retention.
ILF's member school librarian leaders met and convened a discussion on 12/21 with school librarians about the report. The group identified areas of agreement and other areas of misunderstanding.
How YOU can help
ALL Library Stakeholders - Please help share these basic messages about school libraries and school librarians, including:
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school librarians are certified teachers;
- research illustrates the connection between student success with the presence of an effective school library program supported by a certified school librarian and trained library assistants; and
- school libraries routinely collaborate and participate in sharing initiatives for cost-efficiencies.
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Omnibus and COVID-19 Relief Bill |
The federal omnibus spending and COVID-19 relief bill includes library-related supports, including:
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increases in funding for the Library Services and Technology grants through Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL), National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, National Library of Medicine, Library of Congress, and National Archives and Records Administration;
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changes to copyright law;
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establishment of the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth and the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives at the national Telecommunications and Information Administration;
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Emergency Broadband Benefit program, which will provide subsidies for low-income households to access the internet; and
- grants for broadband connectivity.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions of interest to our readers:
- extends pandemic unemployment bump of $300 through March;
- increases SNAP benefits through June;
- provides up to $600 direct payments for qualifying residents whose incomes are below $75,000; and
- does NOT extend the paid leave provisions under FFCRA (though employers may provide their own similar paid leave).
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