[Michlib-l] Build America's Libraries Act Advocacy Information

[White, Shannon (MDE)]

The American Library Association, ALA, continues to advocate for legislation related to the Build America's Libraries Act part of the current developments in DC related to the federal infrastructure talks.

The Build America's Libraries Act (S. 127 / H.R. 1581) includes $5 billion in funding for library construction and renovation. This week ALA is asking individuals that support this bill to contact their Senator and in Michigan it is ideal to communicate with Sen. Gary Peters (D).  Senators Stabenow and Slotkin already support this bill.

If you would like Sen. Peters to support the bill you can advocate to his office by calling and providing the information below or using the online advocacy form provided here: https://cqrcengage.com/ala/app/write-a-letter?2&engagementId=511327

 Sen. Gary Peters (D), Phone #: (202) 224-6221

  *   I'm a constituent calling to comment on legislation. [If leaving a voice mail, state your name and city.]
  *   I'm calling to ask the Senator to join as a cosponsor of the Build America's Libraries Act. The bill number is S. 127.
  *   The Build America's Libraries Act would provide $135 million to repair and modernize library buildings in Michigan.
  *   Libraries are essential to digital inclusion, literacy, and economic opportunity.
  *   I hope the Senator will join as a cosponsor of S. 127 and will support including this funding in the budget reconciliation package. Thank you!
In 2020 Michigan public libraries received more than 33 million visits and more than 50% of Michigan residents are public library cardholders.
You can read more about the Build America's Libraries Act on the ALA site here - https://www.ala.org/advocacy/buildlibraries
Introduced on January 28, 2021 in the Senate by Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), along with Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), as well as on March 3, 2021 in the House by Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI-9) and Rep. Don Young (R-AK), the Build America's Libraries Act would fund upgrades to the nation's library infrastructure to address challenges such as natural disasters, broadband capacity, environmental hazards, and accessibility barriers. This groundbreaking legislation would pave the way for new and improved library facilities in underserved communities across the country. Join us in the effort to support this bill and #BuildLibraries.
On March 31, 2021, President Biden released his infrastructure plan, and it fails to include funding for library facilities. Furthermore, the proposal would provide only half the level of grants for school facilities - including school libraries - that the House approved last year. While we're concerned that libraries were omitted from President Biden's plan, it's only the first step of the legislative process. We're glad that the Administration has brought focus to modernizing our infrastructure. But it's crucial that the White House and Congress hear: libraries are part of our infrastructure, and the time to invest is now.

Shannon White
Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48909
Whites29 at michigan.gov<mailto:Whites29 at michigan.gov>  517-335-1507 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan>
Call me on Teams<callto:whites29 at michigan.gov>

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