Email from AzLA President about the State Budget

Dear AzLA Members,

I recently contacted you urging you to take immediate action and to voice your concern for the unfavorable legislative budget cuts being proposed at the state level.
I have more information to share with you regarding a second budget crisis and the situation at hand.
In addition to the proposed 10% budget decrease facing the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records (approximately $800,000) there is a another threat as well.
In addition, Governor Napolitano has recommended that $3.5 million be cut from the budget of the State Archives building, currently under construction on the west side of 19th Avenue near the capitol. This will have a negative impact on the new building. You can find the Governor’s recommendation: http://www.azgovernor.gov/documents/NR_010308_Flipbook_%20FY08.pdf
Again, here's how you can help:
1. Find out who your Senator and Representative are:
If you don't know, click here and enter your address to find out which district you are in:
http://www.azleg.gov/alisStaticPages/HowToContactMember.asp
If you know, click here and look for your Legislators:
http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp?Body=S (Senators)
http://www.azleg.gov/memberRoster.asp?Body=H (Representatives)
2. Contact them:
Voice your sympathy for the severity of the situation. Tell them you appreciate the tough decisions they face.
Voice your concern regarding the budgetary cuts for ASLAPR
Urge them to contact the Director of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, GladysAnn Wells to discuss how this budget cut will effect ASLAPR.
Again, thank you for your help in this urgent matter.
In addition, AzLA supports two annual legislative days. A tentative date has been set for the Arizona Library Legislative Day of Thursday, April 17. We understand there are conflicts for some members, however it is difficult to find a date that works for everyone. This year we will again invite legislators to join AzLA members for lunch on the lawn, which provides opportunities for us to invite our senators and representatives to visit our community, school and university libraries. These visits are important to cultivate legislative champions and expand grass root efforts in affecting public policy on our issues. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us on April 17!
Angie Creel-Erb
Arizona Library Association President
Director of Library Services
Arizona Western College
PO Box 929
Yuma, AZ 85365
928-344-7776
angie.creel-erb@azwestern.edu