At this first stage of the process, the conclusion to be drawn is that if the current budget rules stay the same, some programs will inevitably be kept flat or cut in order to increase others. As always, the squeaky wheel fares better. It will be extremely important for library supporters to make the case early and often with Representatives and Senators on the need for funding for library and related programs. A strong investment will connect more libraries to the Internet, support literacy for young children and adults, help libraries provide job and consumer health information, serve small business, and provide information for lifelong learning. In this tight budget year, school library media specialists should emphasize that library materials provide needed information to students and a wide variety of reading materials for new readers.
Librarians teach students information-seeking skills critical in today's competitive job market.
Without ESEA Title VI funds, school libraries would have no federal support for school library materials. Invite a legislator to visit your school or library, see the key services being provided to constituents, and offer an opportunity for the legislator to read to children in the library. The Campaign Finance bill, H.R. 3485, is scheduled to be brought to the House floor tonight, March 30. This means that the nonprofit anti-advocacy provision cannot be removed from H.R. 3485 when the vote occurs. Four bills related to campaign issues are scheduled for tonight under the suspension calendar.