Good News and Bad News for Michigan’s Budget

January 23, 2020

GOOD NEWS! While estimates set at the May 2019 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference predicted a very flat revenue scenario this year, some good news was presented to the legislative and executive branch by fiscal experts in early January. According to new estimates, Michigan expects to see an additional $235.2 million in General Fund revenue and $85.7 million more in School Aid Fund support for the current Fiscal Year 2020. For the upcoming budget, which begins October 1, 2020, officials are expecting additional revenues of $274 million in the General Fund and $138 million in the School Aid Fund for a combined $412 million in additional revenue.

Lisa Visits Detroit Libraries

by Lisa Buttigieg, MLA Administrative Assistant

Last week I had the opportunity to visit a few of the Detroit Public Libraries.

My gracious hosts were Alma Simmons, Assistant to the Executive Director of the Main Library downtown, Charlene Hyland, Assistant Manager and Children’s Librarian of the Conley Branch and Crystal Jolly, Assistant Manager and Children’s Librarian from the Parkland Branch.

They each took time out of their busy days to show me why their libraries are the heart of the communities they serve. As they showed me around and spoke of the many services each branch offered, I could hear and see the pride they have for their library.

Letter from Debbie

January 23, 2020

My, how time flies! Having just passed my six month anniversary at MLA, I was reflecting on what has given me the greatest satisfaction. Like all of you, some days the work feels calm and stable and other days…like we are spinning a dozen plates that have been set on fire.

Michigan Library Privacy Act Update

January 23, 2020

First and foremost, we are grateful for all input that we have received from statewide librarians on SB611. The bill to amend 1982 PA 455, introduced by Senator MacGregor on October 29, was introduced without MLA input. MLA agrees that if these changes are to be implemented, it should be done when all voices (pro and con) have been heard, and all input has been taken into consideration. Through a very thorough vetting process beginning in November 2019, we believe that we have gained statewide and national insight into the support and the concerns that this update brings. The MLA Board will be voting on our position at the end of January, and we will communicate that with you quickly.

President's Update - December 19, 2019

The end of the calendar year always makes me pause and reflect on the many things that happened over the year, both good and not so good. As 2019 comes to an end, I am reflective on the accomplishments of the Michigan Library Association. It has been a productive and active year for MLA with new staff coming onboard including Executive Director, Debbie Mikula, Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin and Administrative Assistant Lisa Buttigieg; the passing of the Narcan bill; adoption of the diversity statement; a successful Spring Institute and Annual Conference; and the start of the development of a new strategic plan for the organization. My sincerest thanks goes to the MLA staff, Board, committees and work groups who made all these great projects and events, and so much more, happen for Michigan libraries.

Update on MLA’s Work to Address Changes to the Michigan Library Privacy Act

December 19, 2019

Since the introduction of SB611 by Senator Peter MacGregor on October 29, MLA has been gathering input from library directors, deans and others about support and concern on the proposed changes. MLA believes that library privacy is a core value to librarianship and any changes to the Privacy Act should be vetted through the proper channels. This bill was introduced without MLA input. MLA has taken the past 45 days to gather your thoughts and try to find a way to find compromises to the concerns that you’ve brought to our attention in order to get the best possible changes in front of Senator MacGregor by mid-January when it is expected to move forward in the legislative process.