Pamela, Thank you for sharing this letter. GDL has an upcoming election on Aug. 2nd of this year. After reading the letter it appears to me that there still remains plenty of latitude for interpretation. "The new language in subsection (3) only applies when local governmental entities use taxpayer resources to distribute mass communications concerning ballot questions. As I interpret this language, it is intended to prohibit communications that are plain attempts to influence voters without using words like "vote for" or "support." This can be plainly interpreted to include any promotions by the library to promote service and even just reading in general. GDL has already purchased billboards to promote reading and library use this year. Where before SB571 (when the ads were purchased) we were able to include anything other than a vote yes message, now any advertisement we have could be interpreted as "...plain attempts to influence voters without using words like "vote for" or "support." I remain very concerned. :o/ Dave David Conklin Director Genesee District Library (810) 230-3335 Office (810) 732-1161 Fax dconklin@thegdl.org<mailto:dconklin@thegdl.org> Genesee District Library Headquarters 4195 W. Pasadena Avenue Flint, MI 48504 From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Pam Withrow Sent: Monday, January 11, 2016 12:41 PM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] SB 571 Hello Everyone, Because we have a millage coming up in March, we've been watching this legislation pretty closely. Governor Snyder offered a letter of clarification that should help put librarian minds at ease. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/snyder/SB_571_signing_letter_510083_7.pdf Thank you, Pamela Withrow, Director Forsyth Township Public Library 180 W. Flint St. PO Box 1328 Gwinn, MI 49841 906-346-3433