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Truly, no one is safe while the legislature is in session. According to the Florida Library Association, all state funding of public libraries has been cut from the proposed budget. Here's the story, and the people to contact:



Budget Conferees Agree to Eliminate State Aid - Action Needed Now



The Florida Legislature TED Conferees met last night (Apr 30) and agreed
to eliminate State Aid to Public Libraries funding completely from the
state budget for the coming year.



The Florida Library Association will be contacting Governor Charlie
Crist later today, asking him to intervene, to try to persuade
legislative leaders to find a way to fund the program at the $21.2
million level. We will be providing press releases to Florida media
outlets. With the budget process on track to end Sunday, the Florida
library community has about 48 hours to get legislators to change their
minds.



Help get out this message -

Elimination of State Aid to Public Libraries funding will force the
closings of library branches around the state and have a particularly
devastating impact on rural counties. Please find a way to fund this
critical program.



Here's who needs to hear the message -

* Your Legislative Delegation - Tell them about how the elimination of
state funds for libraries will affect your community. Ask them to go to
the House and Senate leadership and insist that they fund State Aid.


* The Governor's Office - Tell his staff the story. (850) 488-7146 /
Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com>


* House Speaker & Senate President

o Larry Cretul, Speaker of the House - District includes parts of
Alachua, Levy, Marion counties. larry.cretul@myfloridahouse.gov
District (352) 873-6564 / Tallahassee (850) 488-1450

o Jeff Atwater, Senate President - District includes parts of Broward
and Palm Beach counties. atwater.jeff.web@flsenate.gov District (561)
625-5101 / Tallahassee (850) 487-5100