Governor and Legislative Leaders Reach FY 2020 Budget Compromise

June 30, 2020

On June 29, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, and House Speaker Lee Chatfield reached a bipartisan budget agreement, which includes adjustments to the fiscal year 2020 budget and allocation of Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars. The budget agreement includes modest reductions in current year funding but also provides CARES Act funding for Michigan schools and educators, universities and community colleges, and local governments to address the significant COVID 19 costs they’re facing. The FY 2020 budget year for the State of Michigan ends September 30, 2020. The full Legislature must still approve the agreement.

View the FY 2020 Budget Agreement: FY 2020 Budget Agreement

Letter from Debbie

June 25, 2020

We knew that by the end of June, MLA would need to make a firm decision concerning how we were going to move forward with MLA’s 2020 Annual Conference. It is now that time!

After thoughtful consideration, we are ready to announce that the 2020 Annual Conference that was planned for Kalamazoo October 28-30, will not be held as an in-person event. Instead, we are transforming it into a first-class virtual event, with the same educational and inspirational programming that MLA members have enjoyed and taken part in for the last 129 years - keynote addresses, breakout sessions, virtual exhibits, an awards ceremony, MLA’s annual meeting and fun networking opportunities.

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: Ask a Library Lawyer

Grab a cozy mug of your favorite beverage and join MLA as we continue our discussion about safely reopening our libraries. Back by popular demand, Attorney Anne M. Seurynck will join us to discuss the legal aspects of enforcing new safety standards and what libraries should and should not consider as they enter new reopening phases*.

NEW MLA Equity Fund Grant

 June 25, 2020

The NEW MLA Equity Fund Grant is an individual grant opportunity created to reduce financial barriers and uplift the professional development of individuals currently underrepresented in the library profession.

MLA has many restricted funds that have been donated to us over the years – most with specific use attached. As we looked for ways to recognize the needs of underrepresented individuals within the library community, the MLA Board approved a change to a fund that didn’t have any restrictions or ties. With the dollars already within the fund, and a commitment to fundraise each year to keep it a healthy resource, we proudly unveil the MLA Equity Fund Grants.

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: De-escalation Tactics

Grab a cozy mug of your favorite beverage and join MLA for a discussion about communicating effectively to our patrons and de-escalating situations that may arise during reopening. How do you enforce a mask policy? How do you hold patrons to new standards for safety? Learn from psychotherapist Casey Coker about best practices for interactions post-COVID.

Governor Whitmer Extends State of Emergency Through July 16, Allows Remote Meetings Through July 31

June 18, 2020

On June 18, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-127, which extends the state of emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic until July 16. In doing so, Governor Whitmer joins nearly every state in the country in maintaining a state of emergency to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. This executive order will allow her to continue taking action to protect Michigan families and workers.

She also signed Executive Order 2020-129 which extends a previous Executive Order allowing public bodies to conduct public meetings remotely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Under EO 2020-129, public bodies subject to the Open Meetings Act, including boards, commissions, committees, subcommittees, authorities, councils and nonprofit boards, can use telephone or video-conferencing methods to continue meeting and conducting business during the COVID-19 public health crisis, so long as they follow certain procedures to ensure meaningful access and participation by members of the public body and the general public. The order also temporarily authorizes public bodies, departments and agencies to use technology to enable remote participation in public comment and hearings, and temporarily excuses school boards from monthly meeting requirements. EO 2020-129 expires on July 31, 2020.

Executive Order 2020-127

Executive Order 2020-129