[LM_NET] GEN: If you are from Washington state or know someone there, action is needed NOW

[Sara Kelly Johns <sarakellyjohns@YAHOO.COM>]

Feel free to cross post...almost everyone knows someone in Washington!

Below is a thorough explanation from Lisa, one of the Spokane Moms who is asking 
Washington State residents to e-mail, with personalization, right away, the members 
of the Appropriations Committees in the House and Senate. They need to know how 
endangered school library media programs are RIGHT NOW as budgets for next year are 
being finalized. The bills are headed to the fiscal committees and have a real life 
going for them. 

The contact information and background info are on the Fund our Future Washington 
blog: <http://fundourfuturewashington.org/9.html>
 
Please pass the word on; swift action now can make a real difference for kids in 
Washington!

 Thanks so much, Sara Kelly Johns, AASL President
Post on my blog about the Spokane Moms: <http://fromtheinsideout.squarespace.com>



Dear School Library Supporters,

We are moving closer (at what feels like light speed the last couple of days) to 
making school library funding a priority in our state. We are at another critical 
juncture and are requesting your much-needed help in the next twenty-four hours or 
as soon as you can.
 
Could you please write an email and send it individually to the Appropriations 
Committee Members?  We have heard Olympia "insiders" say repeatedly "Mass email is 
not appreciated." Please personalize each email greeting to the legislator.
 
The question has now shifted to 'why does the funding matter for this issue in this 
session?'  We need to articulate the urgency of the hemorrhaging library programs. 
Just yesterday, a school administrator was on his way to communicate layoff news to 
his library/technology staff. Legislators need to know that if they allocate 
dollars this session the result will be immediate help for our schools. It is an 
"investment" not a "cost."
 
Please pass the word. These are crucial actions.  Here's a link to the information:
                           http://fundourfuturewashington.org/9.html
 
The House Bill (#2773) was revised to reflect that funding for staffing could be 
used anywhere across the K-12 span. It passed out of committee on Friday and 
yesterday was referred to the House Appropriations Committee. We were told today 
that we will have 24 hours notice of the hearing and it could be held as early as 
this Friday or Monday.
 
We admit this Appropriations Committee terrifies us a bit. We would be incredibly 
grateful if you could pave the way for our testimony by making the case in your own 
words, in advance. 

It looks like the amended Senate bill #6380 (see blog for details) may be headed 
out of the Education Committee, we will know after 8pm tonight when it is scheduled 
for executive session.  Please email the Senate Ways and Means Committee Members 
individually (same parameters apply-including the terror!!). Here is the link: 
 
    http://fundourfuturewashington.org/9.html

Thank you so much, your actions are truly making a difference. Legislators are 
working hard to come through on this issue. Please forward us any responses you 
receive so we know where we stand and have context for the hearing.
 
We were told in Olympia on Friday that it can take on average 3-10 years for an 
issue to move through the process, friends it has not even been 11 weeks since we 
began the push for funding in this session. Please help us bring it home.
 
THANK YOU!

Lisa, Susan and Denette

blog:http://librariesfordemocracy.org/fundfuture/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sara Kelly Johns
AASL 2007-08 President
Associate Editor for AASL Community, Knowledge Quest
Lake Placid Middle/High School LMC
34 School Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
518-523-2474, ext. 4132
FAX: 518-523-4861
johns@northnet.org
SaraKJohns@aol.com
<http://fromtheinsideout.blogspace.com>

"Information is the currency of democracy." -- Thomas Jefferson

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