Legislative Committee Update

Participants at MLA's Legislative Forum in July started the process of identifying potential platform planks and advocacy strategies for the 2008 Legislative Session. We are hoping to continue this dialog as a discussion topic in WebJunction Minnesota over the next month. Mike Bloomberg, this year's Legislative Committee Vice Chair has made this possible. All MLA members' input into this process will help shape the direction and tenor of MLA's future advocacy initiatives.

Please visit WebJunction at:

http://mn.webjunction.org/forums/forum.jspa?forumID=368

If you are not already registered as a WebJunction MN user, you'll have to do so to participate in the discussion.

Three primary areas of focus were identified at the August Legislative Committee meeting:

A) Construction Grants
B) LGA and County Program Aid
C) The State Library

A) 2008 year is a bonding year at the legislature. The participants at the Forum as well as the MLA legislative committee strongly supported the Minnesota Department of Education's request of $10,000,000 for matching construction grants. Currently only $1 million is available for the entire state of Minnesota. The legislative committee has identified $258 million in upcoming library capital projects. The need for additional funding is apparent.

State grant funds have also been the catalysts for leveraging local dollars for many public library projects. The statewide vetting process also provides a systematic method for evaluating the many needs for these dollars.

B) Several Forum participants also voiced strong support of a platform plank to support cities and counties in their efforts to restore and/or increase Local Government Aid (LGA) and County Program Aid funds which have been cut significantly from previous levels. This potential platform plank was also strongly supported at the legislative committee's most recent meeting.

C) Many Forum participants as well as many legislative committee members spoke to the difficult situation of the state library. Ongoing funding issues have significantly affected the state library's ability to effectively provide necessary services to its many constituencies.


Discussion and comments on these advocacy areas is strongly encouraged. Evaluation of the discussion and further refinement of the platform will take place at the MLA Legislative Committee Meetings in September and October.

The MLA legislative committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the MELSA offices in St. Paul. The opportunity to participate through ITV connections in Rochester, St. Cloud, Mankato, and Fergus Falls is also an option for those who may not be able to attend in person. All MLA members are eligible and encouraged to participate in this process.