MLA Legislative Advocacy
MLA Legislative Advocacy
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Take Action: State
Take Action: State
6/16/25-- Send a kind note to your state elected officials and let them know you are thinking about them amidst the assassination and attempted assassination of their colleagues over the weekend.
Take Action: Federal
Take Action: Federal
9/10/25-- (Adapted from ALA)
The Congressional committees that decide the federal budget just acted in support of libraries: The first version of their relevant bills includes funding for library services in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
No one is quite sure what the rest of this year’s budget process will look like, but success so far is thanks to library supporters like you who took action, and you need to act again. Urge your Congressmembers to include the existing library funding provisions in their final budget!
These bills included a slight increase in funding for the Library Services and Technology Act, which is operated through IMLS. This is good news, irrespective of what happens in court regarding the Administration’s Executive Orders from this year. It demonstrates that there are library champions in Congress fighting for libraries right now, just like you are.
What’s next: It is unknown if Congress will vote on any, or all, of the 12 individual funding bills that make up the federal budget before the normal deadline of October 1. If they don’t vote on these bills as they currently stand, it’s likely Congress will move towards voting on a Continuing Resolution (CR), a temporary spending measure that would functionally extend the budget deadline and allow more time for negotiations before final votes.
It’s critical that library supporters like you urge them to include library funding in whatever version of their funding bills moves forward—and keep it up until it’s passed.
The news out of the House this week is a good sign, but the fight is far from over. With political tensions making even ordinary budget negotiations unpredictable, supporters’ consistent reminders to their lawmakers is the best shot at keeping libraries in their draft budgets.
Thank you for showing up for libraries this year.
After you take action, please forward this alert to three more people who love libraries.
Library Legislative Day 2025 Group Photo
In the news
In the news
State and Local Funding for Libraries - Northfield News, March 11
Minnesota museums could be impacted after all employees at IMLS reportedly put on administrative leave - KARE 11, April 2
You don't know what you've got until it's gone - Pine City Pioneer, April 2
Minnesota interlibrary loan program at risk - New Ulm Journal, April 5
Minnesota interlibrary loan program at risk - Marshall Independent, April 5
Arts and culture organizations add billions to Minnesota’s economy. Federal funding they rely on is at risk. - Star Tribune, April 9
How Trump cuts will affect MN libraries - Winona Post, April 9
County: Library funding at risk - Patriot News Minnesota, April 10
In celebration of public libraries and all they offer - Faribault Daily News, April 11
Honoring the Legacy of Rep. Mary Murphy - Women's Press, April 22
Minnesota libraries warn federal cuts may hurt services-- MPR News, May 6
Minnesota libraries spared for now as court halts federal cuts-- InForum, May 6
Minnesota State Capitol Building, St. Paul, MN
Information about State Issues
Information about State Issues
Information about Federal Issues
Information about Federal Issues
More Action
More Action
United States Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.
Advocacy
Advocacy
MLA supports efforts of advocacy for the mission of ALL Minnesota’s libraries. MLA advocates for critical funding, intellectual freedom, access to information, and school media specialists in every school.
The Legislative Committee ensures that all types of libraries are included in the legislative process. This committee, along with a host of other volunteers have worked together to create these following documents and experiences to help guide library advocates during the legislative process.
Legislative Committee Members and Contact
Visit the MLA Events Calendar to Register for Upcoming Events
Minnesota Library Association
Minnesota Library Association
1611 County Road B West, Ste 315, Saint Paul, MN 55113 · 612-294-6549
Contact Sarah Hawkins, MLA Legislative Chair: legislativechair@mnlibraryassociation.org
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