Call for Ambassadors 2022-2023

The Call for Ambassador online signup for 2022-2023 workgroups and committees is now open!! Applications are accepted through April 29, 2022. If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you! Review available volunteer positions and sign up on the web at www.milibraries.org/get-involved

The Call for Ambassadors is now open for members interested in serving on MLA workgroups and committees. We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community, develop your leadership skills, grow your professional network, and represent MLA!

All MLA members are eligible to volunteer for workgroups and committees. Nonmembers interested in volunteering are welcome to join MLA by filling out the online membership application or by contacting us at (517) 394-2774 or [email protected].

Check out available opportunities to get involved on the web and complete the online ambassador application by Friday, April 29, 2022.

Letter From Debbie

February 24, 2022

MLA has been a strong advocate for libraries throughout our 130-year history. Just in the past 2 years, we have increased library funding, taken a stand on library privacy, property taxes, intellectual freedom, open meetings, and so much more. 

This week, I had the great opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes work of the American Library Association (ALA) and have had great conversations with other advocates from around the country and here in our state. I have been reminded many times over how strong our argument is for the value and importance of our libraries throughout our nation and in our world. We can’t ignore the evidence that strong libraries make strong communities. 

Governor Whitmer's Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Budget

Today, Governor Whitmer introduced her FY23 proposed budget with a $74.1 billion spending plan, the largest in state history. The Governor’s priorities for FY23 are laid out specifically on page 3 of the budget presentation document and the Budget Stabilization Fund – “Rainy Day Fund” has increased by $51.8 million bringing the total fund to $1.5 billion.

Even with increases in revenue, the Governor’s General Fund budget, which totals $14.3 billion, remains flat for Library State Aid at $15,067,700 but also continues to include $800,000 for a Library Pilot project for school and public library collaboration. (See pages 79 and 80 in the FY23 General Omnibus Budget). Other line items for the Library of Michigan take into account slight salary and program increases from FY22 for MeL and other library operations. 

MDHHS Library Over the Counter COVID-19 Testing Program

Over the past few months, many libraries in Michigan have stated their interest in distributing COVID-19 test kits to Michigan citizens if tests were available.  

In mid-January, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) began a small pilot project with libraries in select counties to offer free, over-the-counter test kits. Initially, 18 library buildings were selected by MDHHS based on the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). 

2022 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference

In mid-January, state budget officials met at the Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference. "Higher than anticipated growth in income tax and sales tax revenues means the state probably has about $600 million a year in ongoing general fund revenues beyond what it anticipated earlier," stated Budget Director Christopher Harkins.

The state has $5.8 billion in anticipated surplus state revenues and about $15 billion in still unspent federal stimulus and infrastructure funds that it can spend over the next several years. Much of this is for “one-time expenditures” and not to begin new programs or to sustain programs already a part of state government.  

GCSI Redistricting Analysis

In late December, the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission completed their work and voted to adopt new district lines for Michigan’s Congressional, State Senate, and State House. These districts are a dramatic departure from the current seats and will change the landscape for the 2022 election.