[Libs-Or] Updates on IMLS/LSTA lawsuit

[NIELSEN Buzzy * SLO]

Hi folks,

Wendy's out this week, but I wanted to share this article from Book Riot. It summarizes the current status of the March 14, 2025, executive order<https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/14238> calling to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), including the $2.6 million in annual Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds we receive at the State Library. The article gives updates on State of Rhode Island v. Trump<https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69844582/state-of-rhode-island-v-trump/>, the lawsuit seeking an injunction against the executive order. The Oregon Attorney General, and by association the State Library, is a party<https://www.oregon.gov/library/operations/Documents/PressReleases/20250408PressRelease-LegalActionInIMLSCase.pdf> to the lawsuit.

More Details Emerge About IMLS Dismantling; Plaintiffs in Rhode Island Lawsuit Seek Permanent Injunction
https://bookriot.com/more-details-emerge-about-imls-dismantling-plaintiffs-in-rhode-island-lawsuit-seek-permanent-injunction/

Here are a few points from the article:


  *   There is currently a preliminary injunction against aspects of the current administration's executive order, including removing IMLS staff and refusing to distribute the LSTA 2025 funds that Congress has already allocated to states.
  *   The attorneys general are seeking a permanent injunction.
  *   The lawsuit applies to monies already allocated by Congress in the federal fiscal year 2025 budget. LSTA 2026 monies, which we'd begin spending in July 2026, remain in question. Those monies are appropriated in the federal fiscal year 2026 budget, AKA H.R.1<https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1>. The Senate Appropriations Committee added funds back to IMLS. However, the House has not yet met to do their own markup of the budget.
  *   There is still time to communicate with your federal lawmakers. You can find them on Oregon's Find Your Legislator tool<https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=fd070b56c975456ea2a25f7e3f4289d1>.
  *   The article links to an excellent timeline<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qMRtZYaOgOIfZKgMFnaHJPBGfhIMxhtfnxoKv1sMyI0/edit?tab=t.0> of the executive order.

You can see how the federal funding instability could affect State Library staffing, services, and programs at the links below:

  *   Answerland<https://slo.oregon.gov/answerland/funding>
  *   Continuing education<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted>
  *   LSTA competitive and statewide grants<https://slo.oregon.gov/lstagrants/updates> (including programs such as the Sage Library System courier and Oregon Battle of the Books)
  *   Public library statistics<https://slo.oregon.gov/publiclibrarystats/funding>
  *   Statewide databases (Gale) and academic library subsidy<https://slo.oregon.gov/SDLP_FAQ>

If you have questions about any of these services and programs, others not listed, or the State Library's funding situation generally, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Cheers!

Buzzy Nielsen, MPP, MSI (he/him/his)
Program Manager for Library Support and Tribal Liaison
State Library of Oregon
buzzy.nielsen at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:buzzy.nielsen at slo.oregon.gov> | 971-375-3486 (text ok)
www.oregon.gov/library/libraries<https://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>

[Logo for the Library Support & Development Services division at the State Library of Oregon]<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>

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