Library Advocacy Updates from Indiana Library Federation
January 15, 2021
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In this issue of your Library Advocacy Update
- Indiana General Assembly underway
- Governor Holcomb's budget proposal
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ILF Policy Priorities and specific bills
Key Links
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Indiana General Assembly underway
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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.
Committee meetings are underway, though are very different from the past. Social distancing requirements limit the number of people in the Statehouse. Testimony is 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. Do you know the newly elected? Contact us to let us know your relationship.
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Governor's Budget Proposal
Governor Holcomb released his proposed budget for 2021-2023. The Governor's proposed 2% increase for tuition support in K-12 education and a restoration of cuts made to higher education. Some legislators expressed concerns about any spending increases.
Of special interest to libraries:
- funding for Indiana State Library similar to reduced pandemic budget,
- stable funding for INSPIRE, Indiana's virtual library, and
- slight reduction to funds for Internet Connectivity for libraries.
See presentation slides and HB1001. The budget development process will take many turns until finalized in late April. The graphic below illustrates proposed general fund spending, with K-12 education at 49.9%, Medicaid at 16.2%, and higher education at 11.5%, at the top of spending.
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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
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Expanded broadband that is affordable, reliable, and at a speed practical for remote work and eLearning (see ILF Broadband Policy Brief)
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Effective school library programs with qualified teacher librarians supported by library assistants and school library materials (See ILF School Library Policy Brief)
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.
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Specific Bills & Issues
Bills are already being heard in committees. ILF maintains a specific ILF bill tracking list as a member benefit. See this list as a static sample (members receive real-time updates on the bill list on the Bose Report). In addition to our policy priorities at left, ILF is tracking specific bills related to:
State Budget, HB1001 - ILF is pleased to see the Governor's budget to include stable funding for INSPIRE, Indiana's virtual library. ILF seeks to restore full funding for internet connectivity for libraries--especially as libraries meet increased need for internet.
Broadband - The pandemic underscored the need for expanded broadband for participation in education, the workforce, and the economy. There are a number of bills related to broadband expansion and adoptions.
Electronic Meetings - ILF supports continuing the option for electronic meeting attendance beyond the pandemic for library boards. Public Libraries, like other units of government, experienced increased attendance, and seek to preserve virtual ways for public participation, transparency, and accountability.
K-12 Education - There are a number of bills related to K-12 education and funding. ILF seeks to help policymakers understand that school librarians are essential certified teachers who support all teachers and students.
Tax Structure - Because of the economy of the last year, there are a number of proposals that would change the tax structure for local governments and/or for taxpayers.
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Register for VIRTUAL Advocacy Update Jan. 25, 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. We will be open to ALL through January. Register for the virtual update scheduled for Monday, January 25, at 10amET (9amCT). Advocacy Committee leaders share updates and respond to questions.
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