Michigan Library Association

Governor Whitmer Proposes No Increase to State Aid to Libraries in FY26 Budget

As we have experienced for 8 years of the Snyder Administration and the 7th year of Governor Whitmer’s administration, the FY26 State Aid to Libraries budget remains flat. We also saw no increases for Library of Michigan programs/staff.

MLA Statement on Civil Fines and Penal Fines

MLA’s statement in response to bills that attempt to siphon penal fines or civil fines away from libraries.

The Michigan Constitution states that all fines assessed for breaches of penal laws must be exclusively applied for the support of libraries. This provision has been in place since the first state constitution in 1835 and has been reaffirmed in subsequent constitutions. In addition to penal fines, Michigan law specifies that civil fines ordered under section 907 of the Michigan Vehicle Code should also exclusively be applied to support libraries.

“A Man is Known by the Company He Keeps” – a fond farewell from Debbie

June 25, 2025

It is time to say farewell to my MLA family. For the past 6 years, I have surrounded myself with positive thinkers - people who make a difference in their communities, in their organizations, and people who make my day brighter simply by being around them. You have challenged me, supported me, motivated me, mentored me and encouraged me to grow. I have found people to admire and people that I am proud to know. You have been my cheerleaders, teachers, trusted advisors, coaches, role models and ultimately, friends. I am mindful that the people who represent MLA reflect my own values and have influenced me in ways I can only be thankful for. Your positivity, high standards, kindness and honesty are contagious, and I am a better person for having known you all. The fact is, each of us determines the people we spend our time with. As Aesop said so well “A man is known by the company he keeps.” I have chosen wisely.

Deborah E. Mikula
MLA Executive Director

2025 State Budget Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference

There is a wide disparity in the revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal years based on numbers from the Senate Fiscal Agency and the Department of Treasury. This is not a common occurrence.

Dark Store and OMA Legislation Die in Lame Duck

Legislation aimed at closing the dark store tax loophole has died in committee. House Bills 5865-5868 received a hearing in the House Tax Policy Committee on December 11. Andrea Ingmire, from the Peter White Public Library, provided testimony on how the tax loophole is impacting libraries and MLA submitted cards of support and testimony. The legislation did not move out of committee. Stating that they had run out of time for the day, Committee Chair, Representative Cynthia Neeley called the committee to ease and later adjourned. It is now too late in the legislative session for any further action.

House Bill 4693, introduced by Representative John Fitzgerald to amend the Open Meetings Act has also run out of time. Our work continues.

More Articles...