Close up of Education Muse painted on the interior of the Capitol dome in Lansing, Mi

MLA Advocacy News

Split House – 54-54

After the November 7 election, the Michigan House of Representatives is expecting a big change: House Democrats have lost their narrow two-seat majority. Rep. Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) and Rep. Lori Stone (D-Warren) won their respective mayoral races. That means the House will be split 54-54 between Democrats and Republicans until early 2024 when special elections will determine the Warren and Westland replacements in the Michigan House.

Public Opinion Polling Update

As the MI Right to Read paid advertising campaign rolls to an end, MLA commissioned a single question in the EPIC-MRA omnibus public opinion poll (600 sample – Error ±4.0%) in early November. We wanted to see the change in voter perception about support for state legislation to protect the right to read from March 2023 to now.

Freedom to Read Legislation Coming in January

With the help of many members, leaders and legislators, MLA helped draft a simple, direct piece of legislation on the Freedom to Read. We know it may not stop every challenge, but we hope it will stop the majority of those who target the books and materials so often at the top of the “most banned books” list.

November 7 Election Millage Results

Check out our roundup of the November 7, 2023 election results for millage issues on ballots around the state. We are proud of the library boards, staff, and supporters for their work on these campaigns and their dedication to supporting their libraries. The Library of Michigan provides a listing of Public Library Millage Election Results from 2010 to the present. View the results (pdf)

Celebrate the Right to Read

The first week of October is nationally observed as Banned Books Week, and here in Michigan, we’re changing the narrative. Next week, the Michigan library community and the MI Right to Read coalition are celebrating Right to Read Week and urging residents to protect their First Amendment right to read by standing up against book banning and censorship efforts in their communities.

More Articles...