Michigan Library Association

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode Drops March 13

Subscribe to Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks and tune in on March 13! Our March episode will be hosted by Debbie Mikula, Executive Director of MLA, and Dillon Geshel, Director of the Superiorland Library Cooperative serving libraries in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and features Amanda Griggs Cataloger/Technical Services Specialist at the Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain.

FY25 Budget Recommendations for Libraries

As policymakers weigh competing priorities, it’s essential to understand the different versions of the budget and their implications for library services across the state.

Federal Changes Impacting Grant Programs for Michigan Libraries

Federal budget uncertainties, shifting priorities, and policy changes are causing significant changes and delays in grant programs and funding processes for Michigan libraries and cultural organizations. Updates from the Library of Michigan, Michigan Humanities, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council highlight adjustments to grant cycles, compliance requirements, and funding priorities. These changes may impact future opportunities for libraries and their partners. We will continue to monitor and share updates on these programs. Below, we provide an overview of the latest developments to keep you informed and prepared.

State Revenue Estimates are Way Down, but Budgets Won’t Need Fixing

Below is an edited and condensed version of a Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRCM) blog post – used with permission and as reported by the CRCM:

In a Nutshell

Updated state revenue forecasts suggest GF/GP revenue will decline by more than $4.3 billion across FY2023, FY2024, and FY2025.
Those revenue downgrades are almost entirely attributable to the major tax reductions enacted in March and April.
The revenue adjustments will be “much ado about nothing” for state lawmakers as they finalize the state’s budget in the coming months. The budgets that have passed the House and Senate are already largely in line with these new estimates.

Both the House and the Senate have already passed their own spending plans for the Fiscal Year (FY)2024 state budget, paving the way for conference committees to iron out the differences between the two chambers’ proposals over the coming months.

Take Action to Support School Libraries!

In early March, State Senator Darrin Camilleri (District 4) and Senator Rosemary Bayer (District 13) introduced a package of tie-barred bills requiring a library staffed by a certified school librarian in every public school in the state. These bills replicate the house bills that were introduced in the last three legislative cycles but didn’t move any further.

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