[Libs-Or] INFORMATION Fwd: [District Dispatch] Advocacy works: Garrett backs down on amendment to zero out IMLS

[Diedre Conkling]

Advocacy works: Garrett backs down on amendment to zero out
IMLS<http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=5686>
February 17, 2011 ( No
Comments<https://mail.google.com/mail/html/compose/static_files/blank_quirks.html#comments>)

Good work, everybody! Because of ALA’s unprecedented grassroots efforts this
week on amendment #35 to H.R. 1 (the Continuing Resolution to the FY2011
budget) was defeated! This victory for libraries is undoubtedly due to the
strong grassroots efforts of librarians and library supporters all across
the country.

As you recall, late Monday evening U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ-5)
introduced an amendment that would eliminate all funding for the Institute
of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) including funding for the Library
Services and Technology Act (LSTA), the primary source of federal dollars to
libraries.


Today, as the U.S. House of Representatives wraps up floor debate on HR 1,
Rep. Garrett has made it clear to us that he is no longer “pushing” for a
vote on his amendment. Once the House passes H.R. 1, – likely today or
tomorrow – the budget will be sent over to the Senate where they will have
the opportunity to make amendments and vote on this year’s budget bill.
Even though we overcame this amendment, our work is not done. H.R. 1 still
has to be approved by the Senate and signed by the President.

Also, libraries face cuts in President Obama’s FY2012 budget request sent to
Congress on February 14. In his request, President Obama cuts funding to
LSTA by $20 million as well as consolidates Improving Literacy Through
School Libraries with other literacy programs in the Department of
Education. ALA needs you to continue your calls to Congress in our fight to
protect library funding in FY’12.


Now, more than ever, we need your participation on May 9-10, 2011 at
ALA’s National
Library Legislative
Day<http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/advocacy/nlld/index.cfm>in
Washington D.C. where you will have the opportunity to meet with your
members of Congress and explain to them why cutting library funding would be
short-sighted.

http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=5686


-- 

*Diedre Conkling
Lincoln County Library District
P.O. Box 2027
Newport, OR  97365
Phone & Fax:  541-265-3066
**Work email:  **diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org*<diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org>
*  NEW**
Home email:  **diedre08 at gmail.com* <diedre08 at gmail.com>
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