SAVE OUR LIBRARIES FROM THE CONGRESS QUAGMIRE; CALL YOUR HOUSE MEMBER TODAY

Rundel Memorial Library Building
Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
photo by Ove Overmyer






















 Rochester, N.Y.--  Some bills in Washington get all the attention, like the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act that can't seem to get out of its own way because of the Don't Ask Don't Tell component and the fight over renewing Unemployment Insurance for over 2 million people who were recently dropped.

Yes, they are extemely important bills that must get passed right away.  And, lawmakers have a responsibility to keep up with the people's business and get things done.  However, the Senate GOP wants to block everything until the tax cut deal is settled which would put the natural course of many other bills in jepoardy.

Well, here is a bill that affects the cornerstones of our local communities, our public libraries too are on the chopping block right now.  CSEA represents thousands of library workers throughout New York State, and many here in Monroe County.  We are urging you to act now to perserve these vital services.

A few weeks ago, The Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) moved to the U.S. House of Representatives where it must receive a vote during the lame duck session before the end of the calendar year.

We are asking our members and our community to call your representative and urge them to press the House leadership for a vote on the Senate-passed version of MLSA (S. 3984) and to support the bill.

When calling the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, simply ask to be transferred to your representative’s office. To find your House member and to learn more about MLSA, visit the site here.

When calling, please let their staffs know that passing S. 3984, the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA), is imperative to ensuring libraries can continue providing critical resources to their constituents, particularly in this tough economy.

Specifically highlighting programs or resources your library provides to your community will make your message resonate.

MLSA will ensure that the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds are secured and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is equipped to lead America’s libraries. This bill received bipartisan support from both Senate Republicans and Democrats and lawmakers have a responsibility to you to get this thing done as soon as possible.

Your calls are urgently needed TODAY. If the House does not pass this legislation in the next two weeks, the whole reauthorization process will have to start over after the first of the year. Please act now!