Fellow Librarians:

The First Edition of the ILA Advocacy Hotline is now online. This issue of the Hotline is an excellent resource for librarians wanting to see the details of the proposed cuts to state funding for library services. The newsletter also contains links to resources useful to library advocates.

Monday's Des Moines Register editorial, "Resist Cuts to Iowa's Libraries," was a major coup. However, now's not the time to let up. The state's budget is tight and appears to be growing tighter. We need as much input as possible--from patrons as well as librarians--if we're to get the cuts rescinded. Let's not lose our momentum!

We therefore ask that you contact the governor via his website form. If you agree that an 18% cut in funding for library services, while the rest of the budget increases by 6%, is unacceptable, tell him so. Remember: be polite, but be adamant.

The governor's representatives contend that their proposal is just a starting point and that the legislature is free to amend it as they see fit. That puts the ball squarely in our court: Contact your local legislators and let them know the impact of the cuts on your library's budget. A scenario describing how the cuts to Enrich Iowa funding will impact individual libraries can be found on the ILA website. Please use it to support your argument.

This weekend I will once again attend our local (AEA 267) legislator forum and will once again share my opinions with our local senators and representatives. I encourage you to do the same. When the time comes for public input, be polite, but be adamant, as you tell your legislators precisely how much their library-using constituents stand to lose if the 18% budget cut is not rolled back.

Our efforts thus far have generated lots of positive feedback--especially from legislators. However, adjournment is a long way away, the budget is tight, and we must keep up the pressure. Please let the governor and your local legislator know how you feel about cuts to funding for library services. And it wouldn't hurt to add that about 60% of their constituents are regular library users.

Thanks for staying with us. Please contact me by phone (319 833 9118) or email with questions or comments.

Useful Hyperlinks:

Find your legislator: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/FindLeg/
Contact the Governor: http://www.governor.iowa.gov/administration/contact/
Advocacy Hotline: http://www.iowalibraryassociation.org/associations/2221/files/AdvocacyHotlineJanuary272008.pdf
Impact of cuts to Enrich Iowa: http://www.iowalibraryassociation.org/associations/2221/files/725%20000%20cut%20to%20DSA.pdf
"Resist Cuts to Iowa's Libraries": http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008801280303
-- Michael J. Dargan
GAC Chairperson
Iowa Library Association
MikeDargan@iowalibraryassociation.org
319 833 9118