FLA Recommendations for Getting Ready for the Legislative Session

Getting ready for the 2013 Legislative Session— What library advocates need to know February 2013 Florida’s legislative session begins on March 5. Here are tips on preparing to be an effective advocate for important library issues with your legislators DATES TO KNOW March 5- Regular Session begins and committee meetings will start shortly afterward. March 12 – FLA’s Library Day in Tallahassee May 3 – Regular Session ends WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW • Confirm your legislative district. With reapportionment in 2012, your district may have changed. (Check here for a list of counties and legislative districts) • Contact your delegation members with the library message. Continue the advocacy efforts you began last fall. • Make appointments to see your legislators on Library Day. If a legislator isn’t available, talk with staffers. WHAT DO LIBRARIES NEED? The Florida Library Association Legislative Platform calls for the following:  State Aid to Public Libraries – FLA supports working toward the restoration of State Aid from the current $21,300,000 to the $33,400,000 appropriated in 2000-2001. Governor Scott’s budget recommendations, released January 31, include $20,235,401 for State Aid, the minimum required for Florida to receive vitally needed federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds. Florida received LSTA funding of $7.8 million in 2012.  Library Cooperative Grants – FLA supports working toward restoration of Library Cooperative Grant funding to the $1.5 million level to fund Florida’s five Multitype Library Cooperatives. The funding was vetoed for 2012-13. For 2013-14 the Governor has recommended $1 million for Cooperative grants.  State Library & Archives of Florida – FLA supports the continuation of the Department of State, in particular the Division of Library and Information Services and its programs in their current form.  Public Library Construction – FLA supports funding of all Department of State approved applications of up to $500,000 each.  Community Libraries in Caring – FLA supports funding of $200,000 for grants that provide grants to Florida’s small, rural public libraries.  Florida Virtual Campus – FLA supports increased funding for statewide electronic resources; digital collections and preservation; state-of-the-art, cost effective information technology; and other essential services to assist the libraries of the public colleges and universities of Florida. Governor Scott recommends $23,927,294 for the Florida Virtual Campus for 2013-14. OUR MESSAGE TO LEGISLATORS Florida libraries continue to provide innovative services that transform the lives of Floridians despite budget cuts! Tell your library’s story about the value your library provides to your community! The American Library Association has issued a forward- looking report entitled “U.S. Public Libraries Weather the Storm: Innovative Services Continue Despite Continuous Budget Cuts.” This report frames the positive message about how libraries continue to innovate and provide services that transform lives. This is a strong positive message for our time and one that Florida libraries demonstrate every day. We know the economy’s recovery is going to be slow and library budgets are unlikely to be restored soon, but we must keep the message positive and focused on the successes that libraries bring to their communities! Florida libraries transform lives! Here are some of the services through which libraries improve the quality of life for Floridians: - Assist job searchers - Access to e-government services - Support for early learning and help for parents learning to be their child’s first teacher - Contributing to K-12 students’ success - Helping local businesses - Providing Internet access, technology, and technology training and support Florida libraries provide innovative service! Highlight the innovations at your library. Services do not need to be expensive or fancy to be innovative. Thank legislators who have helped libraries in the past and welcome the new ones! Begin building a positive relationship with legislators as you educate them about the value of libraries. WHAT TO DO NEXT  Contact your legislators and tell them the library story. Tell them about the specific and terrific ways your library is helping Floridians during these challenging times. • Invite legislators into the library and show them the cool things you are doing! The best way to convince decision-makers of the value of libraries is to help them see it first-hand. • Plan to attend FLA’s Library Day on March 12, 2013 Encourage library supporters to join you in Tallahassee to meet with legislators. Thank you for your great work – and remember to keep it positive. Mary Brown Chair, FLA Legislative Committee