Make a Quick Call Today : : Support Library Funding in the State Budget

Make a Quick Call Today in Support

of Library Funding in the State Budget 

CLA News From The Capitol: 5.29.2015

by Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

CLA’s Push for the “Senate Version”

Specifically, the Governor proposed adding slightly over $4 million for literacy and broadband connectivity in his May Revision of the Budget.  However, the Senate has adopted a dollar amount that is $7.5 million more than what the Governor proposes for library funding in his May Revision of the Budget -- for a total in new money of approximately $11.7 million.  (see the CLA “Budget ask” sheet, which parallels the “Senate Version” of the Budget.)

The Assembly adopted only the Governor’s May Revision of the Budget and no new money above that amount for libraries.

The Key Legislators to Contact and Talking Points

Please take a moment today to phone as many of these members as you can (listed below) and urge their support of the following action using this sample script or similar talking points:

Hi, my name is _______.  I am representing_____ (public library/literacy program, etc.)  I reside in (city) and I am a strong library supporter.  I would like to be on record in support of an item that the (Assemblymember/Senator) will be considering in Budget Conference Committee.

I would like to request that (he or she) give consideration to supporting the Senate Version of the Budget, under the State Library Budget Items.  The Senate Version reflects important funding for public library programs, above the level contained in the Governor’s May Revision.

These dollars will help to fund critical loaning and lending programs for libraries, as well as improve literacy programs, and will help to connect public libraries to a statewide high speed, broadband backbone.

Twenty eight legislators have signed a joint letter in support of the Senate version and it is my hope that your boss might also support the Senate version.  

Thank you.

Members of the Budget Conference Committee

Senator Mark Leno, Chair

(916) 651-4011

Assemblywoman Shirley Weber

(916) 319-2079

Senator Jim Nielsen (* signed the joint letter)

(916) 651-4004

Senator Ricardo Lara

(916) 651-4033

Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez

(916) 319-2067

Assemblyman Richard Bloom

(916) 319-2050