Legislation and Advocacy
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CapWiz - Legislative Action Center View web cast about how to use CapWiz Webinar Video: Get Your Legislators to Your Library 2010 National Library Advocacy Day Information Gearing Up for the 2010 National Library Advocacy Day. Check out the video by ALA Washington Office! Legislative Agenda2010 Legislative Session Prepared by Jim Johnson, Legislative Liaison The 2010 Legislative Session will possibly be like none we have seen in the past. The General Assembly’s time could be consumed with issues like restructuring the Department of Health and Environment Control and the Employment Security Commission and debating impeachment of Governor Mark Sanford. This will be all done with the backdrop of the state’s lingering financial problems. The South Carolina Library Association is a member association representing libraries of all types in South Carolina. As such, it endorses the legislative/budgetary initiatives of libraries and/or their parent agencies. It also puts forth initiatives of its own or in cooperation with other state library associations. The following legislative/budgetary initiatives are endorsed for the 2010 Legislative Session. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE LIBRARY The South Carolina State Library has two monetary requests. They are: DISCUS $27,000 --- Restore funding previously cut. Workforce Development $15,000 --- This project is a connector of public libraries, Business OneStops, State Agencies, employers and job seekers. The program will enable library staffs to teach and advise individuals on career support such as: vocational testing, job searching, resume writing, cover letter creation and becoming gainfully employed. They also have requested three budget provisos. They are: Proviso No. 1. The State Library may accept donation funds to be used for administration, operation and programs from any donor sources. Unexpended funds will be carried forward. Proviso No. 2. Of the unclaimed prize funds available in excess of the Board of Economic Advisors estimate, the first $1,000,000 shall be directed to the State Library to be distributed to local libraries and the State Library for operating expenses. Proviso No. 3. The State Library will be allowed to sell promotional items with the South Carolina State Library brand and logo for the purpose of generating funds for the State Library. Unexpended funds will be carried forward. PUBLIC LIBRARIES The Association of Public Library Administrators (APLA) has developed a legislative agenda that is endorsed by the State Library; however, the State Library was not able to include it in its budget request due to restrictions placed upon it by the Governor’s Office. Its agenda includes: BUDGET Item No. 1. Endorse/support South Carolina State Library’s budget request.
OTHER LEGISLATIVE ISSUES Item No. 1. Provide student loan forgiveness for public librarians working in geographically-needed areas or critical needs subject areas.
ACADEMIC LIBRARIES Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries (PASCAL), a consortium of South Carolina’s academic libraries, works together with their parent institutions and state agency partners. PASCAL programs are recognized as best practices for stewardship of state funds, leveraging the overall purchasing power of each dollar spent over five times. PASCAL’s core programs include: PASCAL Delivers. Academic institutions cooperatively share 11.5 million academic books using technology and a courier service.
Funding for PASCAL is the top priority of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. It is seeking restoration of the $2 million previously provided by the General Assembly. SCHOOL LIBRARIES The South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL) is putting forth a budgetary request for $5 million for library materials. There is currently no dedicated source of state funds for materials for our state’s school library-media centers. The only time such an appropriation was made was two years ago when the appropriation was $1 million. The South Carolina State Department of Education does not have this request in its budget request. OTHER ISSUES The South Carolina Library Association is cooperating with the South Carolina Association of School Librarians in an effort to authorize a libraries license plate. To date, no legislation has been introduced. 2010 Legislative Session Pending LegislationCompiled by Jim Johnson, Legislative Liaison The following bills that affect public libraries and/or staff members are pending when the General Assembly convenes in January 2100. SENATE S. 3. English-language only for publications; public libraries, colleges, and schools are exempt.
S. 71. Political subdivisions observing state holidays.
S. 110. Permits lottery sales on general election days; estimates $800,000 in new revenue.
S. 212. Returns state retirement years to 30 from current 28.
S. 242. Closes TERI to new participants.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H. 3009. Closes TERI to new participants.
H. 3065. Requires an employer give reasonable time off from work to vote.
H. 3124. Beginning with 2011 legislative session to adopt biennial budget.
H. 3192. Creates agency/program sunset commission within Legislative Audit Council.
Additional Resources
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