Library; Computer literacy; Rural development

Questions asked:​

As an Elected Official representing Michigan what is your position regarding the Trump administration's ​budget to reduce funding for public libraries ?

​Thank you letters were sent to Elected Official Responders below:
​ 
Gary C. Peters (D),  Debbie Stabenow (D)

Third Sendings were sent to Elected Official Non-Responders below: 
​
Justin Amash (R)

Thank-you letter:

MCEZ Core Principle for SEPTEMBER is Intelluctual Diversity!
Open Letter
September 25, 2017
Subject: Library; Children's Library services; Local development; Unemployment; Underemployment; 
Computer literacy; Starting a business; Rural development
Dear __________,
Thank you for your response of September 20 to my letter of April 18 attached below. I look forward to hearing from you again.
​
Best Regards,
Doris Hale 
http://www.mcez.org/
policy and disclaimer statement

Original letter and Third sending letter:

The MceZ Core Principle for April is EQUALITY

April 18, 2017
OPEN LETTER

Subject: Library; Children's Library services; Local development; Unemployment; 
Underemployment; Computer literacy; Starting a business; Rural development
Dear _____________.,
  Thank you for service. I am writing today of an issue of great concern to me.
In reading the Hastings Banner, dated April 6, 2017 I learned of the Trump administration plan to greatly reduce library funding. In this article entitled “'Library service to face major cuts in Trump's proposed budget” I learned just what is on the chopping block (“ ham stringed or eliminated”): summer reading, children's literacy, Michigan library e bases, inter-library book loans, staff training. And and all this is just for starters.
  By way of introduction, I am a resident of Michigan's third district, a library Tween Room and Book Store volunteer; most recently, a volunteer in the capacity of library board member. The Hastings Public Library does so much! It has been referred to as the jewel of Hastings. Hastings Public library contributes support to over 150 different services, examples of which are: Vita Tax Preparation, the court system, thrift club, quilt making club, and chess for youth. This is in addition to traditional services.
  Libraries reduce unemployment as well as underemployment. Computer literacy, or just lack of a computer has been an employment barrier for many, as documented in the employment literature. Our library offers free WIFI, as well as group or individualized computer training. 
Information on starting a business is available in the second floor Business Library, and by extension through the data bases. Libraries serve to develop communities, as well as individuals. We citizens need lifelong learning in this information age.
  At a personal level, I use inter-library loan services ( Mel Cat) weekly. I've used the open computers there for employment search, as well as for computer literacy training. At different times, I have been part of book clubs, Great Decisions ( foreign policy), Calvin College Speaker Series, art and crafts hosting. I can not imagine life without the Hastings Public library ( or a reduced library) and do not want to!
My concern is that if funding is thrown back to the state of Michigan, Michigan will not be able to absorb the cost Also if it is thrown back on the local government, the local community will not be able to afford these services. Hastings is a small rural community without a major industrial tax base.
My question is:
​  As an Elected Official representing Michigan what is your position regarding 
the Trump administration's budget to reduce funding for public libraries ?
  I look forward to hearing from you. If I do not hear from you I will contact you again.
Best regards,
Doris Hale
http://www.mcez.org/
policy and disclaimer statement

Response:

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