[Michlib-l] ALA Advocacy Request on COVID-19 relief package

[Shannon White - Library of Michigan]

This week, the House and Senate are working to pass an emergency COVID-19 relief package, likely to be the last relief bill before Congress for several months.

Libraries need your help now<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcqrcengage.com%2Fala%2Fapp%2Ftake-action%3FengagementId%3D510082%26ep%3DAAAAC2Flc0NpcGhlcjAxBhLKiJ71B0vvFfRfd4D3zhaoSIErQidZFCEnIkPfXN-W2wPZs_DCn9Qnm5c24f-Slou0VYM6jHPDivgxrWe3X06TmLKtXsEPrNWHfmFQrU8%26lp%3D0&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7Cd1259cbf9eff4ac0e3d208d89b9430df%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637430408076301608%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=j800x0PvVWFwdg9Zlfy91UcHaSkLhIK2rT2p8WadCv0%3D&reserved=0> Use this link to voice your support.

House and Senate leadership are using the bipartisan "COVID Emergency Relief Framework<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcqrcengage.com%2Fala%2Fapp%2Fthru%3Fep%3DAAAAC2Flc0NpcGhlcjAxfCgzxrQz9lbfOGyxXvprbn3Y57d7I2X6oQ046BYe_mZofJDTZG0CW8SMdYX-nVeA2LYHvi7M5bglfgPEieFITGz8jbt-r4G7cOn5ZW2OoQvJZHxJSuAxMqxdb0IDYGmy5kwjKKJboZOUUhzkd3GOLsOsFX9FmCSujz0eekLukn6E4mtXGzCzBsv6oyVJRa3HymVmjjr193s4SMef6oklMA%26lp%3D0&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7Cd1259cbf9eff4ac0e3d208d89b9430df%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637430408076311565%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=bWT0j7wsn99ZI1A7n9OIrJAC5JCbnsM%2BslG%2B6Ux7fEs%3D&reserved=0>" as a starting point for their negotiations. Introduced last week, the framework includes funding for expanding overall broadband access and education but provides nothing for America's libraries.

The American Library Association is urging Congress to include direct library broadband and stabilization funding in the relief package.

Libraries have stepped up throughout the pandemic to provide critical internet access, despite having to close or reduce services in response to local and state safety concerns. Yet, with additional broadband funding, libraries could provide even more services to the public via internet hotspots, extending Wi-Fi signals or locating mobile hotspots throughout the community. In addition to broadband funding, funding for libraries and library workers is critical. Library workers across the country were furloughed or laid off in 2020, and many more are at risk now - just when communities need them the most. The recent rise in infection rates is forcing many libraries to again limit services, and costs to reopen safely remain high.

The rise in unemployment shows the need for library services, including online job search assistance, resume writing and help applying for unemployment and other public benefits. Direct library broadband and stabilization funding will allow our libraries to reopen safely and connect our communities to vital resources during this time of crisis.

Can libraries count on you to send an email to your elected officials? 

Take Action Now<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcqrcengage.com%2Fala%2Fapp%2Ftake-action%3FengagementId%3D510082%26ep%3DAAAAC2Flc0NpcGhlcjAx8BZQZV5Q6Vg_RwT-2u3eGD4kyMggg_6G56y8gRks1s8HGV-yShix4fXXJ7VWnPIPhs8qGRsdFM3GJrvc9--ovHdzcqfl82GEtbAvlYdJBMo%26lp%3D0&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7Cd1259cbf9eff4ac0e3d208d89b9430df%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637430408076311565%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=k7K1pbWgXofPw6ZI%2BLt2cPIldW5JzzxKHXslzHWvmrM%3D&reserved=0>

Tell your legislators to include both broadband and stabilization funding for libraries in the relief package today.

Thanks to your swift advocacy back in March, ALA was able to secure crucial emergency funding for libraries within the CARES Act<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcqrcengage.com%2Fala%2Fapp%2Fthru%3Fep%3DAAAAC2Flc0NpcGhlcjAxMhm-xyqc0YTZfPL5wxddAXUFXmNZhrka1YfLBHLyHKvZBsz0gURUgmQ0GPWv9YlUiM3jAITLtiKcVqWdRlpNkUPDnAal-wxrATweUB4Pf_r9lrXO687TpfVklLaZbsQL80wtVnQ5P3FgYde31wJFLzmCFbfF9SkCR7DnxLRASWKs4gkyoQJAYv_nJgyGF2D5IYhVb3puhv4ML1b7my1L7J7U_bLx2Rng6OzYThKTIAXgDOYbYZ7h2FwAS-E8tP3a%26lp%3D0&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7Cd1259cbf9eff4ac0e3d208d89b9430df%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637430408076321523%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=tt3VAy9GM6cw2AhT8cUy6Egc9Cqt%2BZSkX6bL2d46XQI%3D&reserved=0>. Libraries need your action again now!



Thank you,

ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Team


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