[Ilf] ILF LEGISLATIVE ALERT 3-5-08

[Crissy Gallion]

SENT ON BEHALF OF THE ILF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE/ILF LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATES!

 

DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL!

 

 

ALERT - ACTION NEEDED

 

There are just 9 days left in the 2008 session.  But between now and
midnight, March 14, some very important issues to Indiana's libraries will
be resolved by the legislature.  You must continue communicating with your
legislators regarding the following issues:

 

1.  Circuit Breakers - It is clear that some form of circuit breaker will be
a part of the final bill.  We need to communicate how harmful circuit
breakers will be in terms of funding of libraries.  The legislature must
figure out a way to make additional funds available to libraries and local
units if they insist, as it appears they are, in passing circuit breakers in
their present form.

 

2.  Petition and Remonstrance, Not Referenda - The issue of taxpayer
approval of capital expenditures is, with 9 days to go, unsettled.  We
strongly support the existing Petition and Remonstrance process.  It is
open, very democratic and more flexible than referenda.  Recent experience
is that we win only 50% of the time.  This process is by no means slanted
toward us.  It is open and fair and should continue.  Referenda are
sometimes not timely, not flexible, and are expensive.  Urge them to support
the existing Petition and Remonstrance, Not Referenda.

 

3.  Fiscal Body Review - During the session, various processes have been
proposed regarding fiscal body review of units governed by non-elected
boards.  It is unclear how this will turn out.  What is clear is that we
strongly oppose fiscal body review of our budgets, levies, tax rates, and
capital expenditures.  To inject review by a fiscal body is an unnecessary
step in an already cumbersome process.  And, very importantly, point out
that libraries sure aren't breaking the bank.  We are providing a needed and
desired service and doing it very responsibly.  No waste in the taxpayers'
investment in libraries.

 

Thank you for your timely and much needed assistance.

 

 

 

 

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