MLA Connect Coffee Hour: Library Advocacy Grab a mug of your favorite beverage and join MLA, Megan Cusick, American Library Association (ALA) and Bob Devries, Governmental Consultant Services Inc. as we discuss COVID-19 relief legislation and the impact of both Federal and State legislative action on Michigan libraries during this week's MLA Connect Coffee Hour. Each the week we provide a platform for you to ask questions, share ideas, and provide input to other library professionals struggling with the global health crisis, remote work, and how to prepare for the future. This coffee hour is free to attend to anyone interested in joining the conversation! A maximum of 500 attendees can join the live event. Registered attendees will receive information and a link to access the meeting on the Zoom platform. A recording of the event will be available on the MLA website for those unable to attend the live event. Fill out this short form to register, no login required! https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAude2trD0pH9e4qrvdm10Q5OmKAYR4y3at Coffee Hour Agenda 10:00 – 10:05am Welcome and Introductions 10:05 – 10:25am: Federal Legislation in Response to COVID-19 10:25 – 10:45am Megan Cusick Q&A 10:45 – 11:10am State Legislative Impacts on Michigan Libraries 11:10 – 11:30am Bob Devries Q&A Federal Legislation in Response to COVID-19 Megan Cusick, American Library Association Librarians, library workers, volunteers and trustees are operating in unchartered territory, largely working remotely while adapting the delivery of services and resources to meet community needs. At the same time, the strain on state and local budgets is clear. Congress, too, is navigating new terrain. The CARES Act was the third coronavirus response bill passed and the first to address the unprecedented impact and reach of COVID-19. The $2 trillion bill includes provisions specifically for libraries as well as other provisions that may impact libraries, nonprofits, and our communities overall. Now Congress is back at work on a fourth bill. Throughout this time, ALA has worked with our legislative champions, our coalition partners, affinity organizations, elected officials at all levels of government, our member leaders, and others to ensure that libraries are recognized as essential to the response, recovery and resilience of our communities. State Legislative Impacts on Michigan Libraries Due to COVID-19 Bob Devries, Governmental Consultant Services Inc. Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ seems to be having the desired effect of flattening the curve of COVID-19 in Michigan, but it’s impact on the economy is substantial and Michigan is likely to see the largest budget deficit in the state’s history. Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic stretch into nearly every facet of life including a dramatic impact on the state legislative calendar and upcoming elections, as well as the budget. Many of the impacts are yet to be seen but join us as we talk through some of the ways this will change the state, our communities, and our libraries in the weeks and months ahead. [Web Icon resized] Rachel Ash Membership and Communications Director Michigan Library Association 3410 Belle Chase Way, Suite 100 Lansing, MI 48911 Phone: (517) 394-2774 ext. 225 milibraries.org rfash@milibraries.org<mailto:rfash@milibraries.org> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MichiganLibraryAssociation> and Twitter<https://twitter.com/mlaoffice>!