MLA Connect Advocacy Hour: Michigan State Budget Update

Thursday, September 25, 2025 
10:00 - 11:00 AM

With only a few weeks left before the constitutional deadline for the FY2026 state budget, uncertainty remains around state funding priorities—including resources critical for Michigan libraries. The budget impasse between the House, Senate, and the Governor’s office has stalled progress, and with the October 1 deadline looming, Michigan faces a possible government shutdown.

On Thursday, September 25, join MLA on Zoom for a special MLA Advocacy Hour update on the Michigan State Budget. MLA lobbyist Samantha Zandee, Governmental Consultant Services, Inc., will share the latest news, where negotiations stand, and how the budget impasse could impact funding for libraries and related programs.

As budget talks continue in Lansing, it is essential for library advocates to keep reaching out to legislators. We must ensure they understand the importance of library funding—and that an LSTA line item must be included in the final budget to unlock $5.6 million in federal funds already awarded to Michigan. Without it, vital statewide programs like the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and MeLCat will lose critical support.

This is an urgent moment for library advocates to stay engaged. Take action for libraries by contacting your legislators TODAY, and join us next week to stay informed and prepared for what's next.

Advocacy Hour conversations are always free to attend, but registration is required.. Click below to secure your spot.

REGISTER 

Speaker

Samantha Zandee
Governmental Consultant Services, Inc.

Advocacy Hour conversations are always free to attend but registration is required. 

MLA Connect Advocacy Hours are an opportunity for the library community to learn more about MLA's advocacy and legislative priorities including funding, elections, property taxes, literacy, internet access, privacy, intellectual freedom, and more. Each month, we will address a new topic and share any pending legislation introduced in the House or Senate that could impact the Michigan library community. Open discussion and Q & A will follow the interview-style agenda.

Monthly sessions will take place generally on the third Thursday of the month at 10:00 AM. Advocacy Hours are free to attend to anyone interested in joining the conversation! A maximum of 500 attendees can join each live event. Registered attendees will receive information and a link to access the meetings on the Zoom platform. 

Please note recordings of all MLA Advocacy Hours are available to watch for free and on-demand at MLA Connect On-Demand.