04 February 2011

Proposed California Library Budget Cuts

We received this message from the California State Genealogical Alliance. Proposed budget cuts, if implemented, will affect libraries throughout the state. Please provide your feedback to the proposal. See below for questions.

Dear Societies,

The following information is gathered from the California Library Association website http://www.cla-net.org/ regarding the proposed $30.4 million cuts in library funding. this would impact library services throughout the state and could jeopardize federal matching funds. Libraries need our help. See the website for links to 'Talking Points' and opportunities for advocacy, if you are interested in helping.

Governor Brown proposes to cut $30.4 million in library funding by decreasing General fund assistance for public libraries, eliminating the California Library Services Act (CLSA), Public Library Foundation (PLF) and the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services (CLLS). This impacts access, resource sharing and adult literacy and will harm libraries in every city and town in California. The budget cut also jeopardizes $16 million in federal funding. To view the amount of state budget cuts by legislative district, click the ‘Advocacy/Legislation’ tab.

Some Opportunities for Action
• Write a letter (individuals and/or organizations)
• Participate in Advocacy:
o ‘Day in the District’– annual statewide library advocacy event that encourages library supporters meet with elected state officials at their local offices throughout California. ‘Day in the District’ is an opportunity to remind legislators of the value of libraries—public, school, rural, urban, special, academic––their community. This year, focus is on restoring library funding to the state budget.
o ‘Legislative Day 2011’ – California Library Association, California School Library Association and California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners will host an annual Legislative Day in Sacramento on Wednesday, March 30. Details to follow.

Questions are referred to: Deborah Doyle, CLA Advocacy & Legislative Committee Chair, ph. 415-269-0540 or email zorrah@gmail.com.

Junel Davidsen, CG
Legislative Watch Chair
California State Genealogical Alliance

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