Rep Lyons Meets with Kent District and Grand Rapids Public - on Personal Property Tax
Staff and trustees from Kent District and Grand Rapids Public Libraries met with Rep. Lyons on February 6 to educate her about the impact of the elimination of personal property tax to libraries. Both libraries articulated the impact of cuts over time and the drastic reduction in services which would be required if PPT is eliminated. Rep. Lyons indicated that PPT elimination is a priority, but that there is no timeline or replacement vehicle at this time. She pledged to work with libraries to ensure that libraries are included in any replacment vehicle.
ALA Councilor's Midwinter Report
Read the complete ALA Councilor's Midwinter Report by our Chapter Councilor, Mary Rzepczynski. Read about the ALA Presidential Candidate Forum, ALA Council sessions, Executive Board, Membership Information Sessions, Chapter Relations Committee and more.
MLA Testifies Before Local, Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs Committee
Josie Parker, Chair of MLA's Legislative Committee, testified January 26 before the Local Government Committee on "Essential e-services through Michigan's Libraries." Parker stressed that libraries are essential government services to guarantee citizens access to online information and government information that is all moving online. As the state of Michigan moves more services online and tells citizens to access information on the web, local access to the internet through public libraires is essential. View her complete testimony and
Sen. Nofs - Libraries Could Lose Over 50% of Budgets if PPT is Eliminated
Library directors, trustees and staff from Jackson, Albion and Woodlands Library Cooperative met with Senator Nofs, the primary PPT elimination bill sponsor on January 13. The impact of cuts are drastic with Jackson slated to close 6 branches, Albion considering closing significant hours and Litchfield losing over 50% of their budget. Residents would face reduced services to people most in need, reduced access to online information and technology and opportunities for children and youth. View the impact of proposed cuts.
Sens. Hildebrand, Robertson - Consequences of Not Investing in Libraries
Over 45,000 job seekers will lose access to job workshops and training in Grand Rapids Public Library and the Genesee District Library service area if personal property tax is eliminated. Over 56,000 urban teens won't have a safe place to go after school and in the summer if PPT isn't replaced in these communities. The Flint Public Library has already close all three branches. If a PPT replacement i
