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:

September 20, 2017
Dear Doris,
  Thank you for contacting me about library services. I appreciate you taking the time to express your views. Your input is, and always will be, welcomed and appreciated.
  Michigan is home to 670 public libraries across the state that make communities stronger by serving as drivers of educational and economic success. Our libraries provide Michiganders with essential public services ranging from career assistance for former veterans to summer reading programs for low-income students. Many individuals, especially those in rural areas, rely on free library Internet access for conducting research, taking online classes, and applying for jobs. I am committed to
supporting investments in library services that promote learning, innovation, and economic development opportunities throughout Michigan.
  In May 2017, President Trump released his Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget proposal. I disagree with his suggestions to significantly cut funding for our neighborhood libraries. His proposed budget asks Congress to eliminate funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), which would
make it difficult for libraries to address community needs and retain skilled librarians. It also suggests that congressional appropriators defund the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program that helps school libraries and nonprofits provide books and childhood literacy activities to vulnerable families. I sent letters to my colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee urging them not to follow the President’s recommendations to cut these critical library programs. As the FY 2018   appropriations process moves forward, I will continue fighting for robust funding for LSTA and IAL.
  Thank you again for contacting me. I always enjoy hearing from you and hope that you take the time to contact me again soon. For more information, please feel free to visit my website,
http://www.peters.senate.gov.

Sincerely,
Gary C. Peters
United States Senator ​

August 3, 2017

Dear Doris, 

Thank you for contacting me regarding your support for local libraries. I share your view.
Every day, students, professionals, and lifelong learners use their local libraries to access critical information, skills training, and computer services. That's why I have called on the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to robustly fund the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Under LSTA, Michigan libraries receive funding to provide services that are essential to our communities. Please know that I will continue to support funding for our local libraries.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please don't hesitate to do so again if my office can be of assistance to you or your family. 

Sincerely, 
Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator