This is just a reminder that the ILA’s legislative meet-ups are happening soon. If you are planning to attend, the schedule is below. Even if you missed the registration deadline or your elected officials are not covered by one of the meet-ups, you can still schedule your own meeting with them.
- South Suburban Breakfast in Lockport, Friday, 14 February 2014
- West Suburban Lunch in Oak Brook, Friday, 14 February 2014
- North Suburban Breakfast in Buffalo Grove, Monday, 17 February 2014
- Metro East Breakfast in Edwardsville, Friday, 21 February 2014
Although funding remains the overriding issue, there are a number of other library-related concerns that merit discussion with your officials. A list of recommended “talking points” can be found at http://www.ila.org/advocacy/public-policy-initiatives.
To see a list of current legislation that is especially relevant to libraries, check http://www.ila.org/advocacy/issues-and-legislation (“Current Legislation” and then “Illinois”). Note that SB1900 (open access to research in higher education), SB1 (pension reform in state-funded retirement systems), and HB183 (concealed carry of firearms, including prohibited areas) have already become law. To check on the current status of a piece of legislation, or to determine who the sponsors are, you can visit the Illinois General Assembly’s website, http://www.ilga.gov, and then go to “Search By Number”.