2008 ILA Update #8

NEWS RELEASE

Governor Amendatorily Vetoes House Bill (HB) 4527
Requested by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, sponsored by Representative Lou Lang (D-16, Skokie), and supported by Speaker Michael J. Madigan (D-22, Chicago), this bill would have changed equalization grant language in two significant areas: increases rate from $4.25 to $7.50 per capita and; increases minimum grant award to school libraries from $100 to $750.

The per capita rate has not been increased since 1979 when the grant was created; the minimum grant level for schools has not been increased since 1994. Ten public libraries qualify for the equalization grants under the old limits; under the new formula, the number of public libraries that qualify will increase to fifty-seven.

In Fiscal Years (FY) 2007 and 2008, nearly 350 school districts received grants below the new minimum of $750; it is expected that those school districts will benefit from HB 4527 in FY 09 and thereafter. The bill passed the House on April 3, Senate on May 20; and both houses May 20.

The governor amendatorily vetoed the bill on Friday, August 15 writing, “Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 4527, entitled “AN ACT concerning local government”, with the following specific recommendation for change: on page 1, by replacing line 19 with: “Section, must be members of a library system and must remain open until 9:00 p.m. no less than 4 days each week. With this change, House Bill 4527 will have my approval.“

In ILA’s estimation, the governor’s changes take away local control and greatly adds to the cost of providing local library service. While the ILA Public Policy Committee and the ILA Executive Board have not taken a formal position yet, ILA will most likely oppose the governor’s changes. The sponsor of the bill will likely ask for an override of the governor’s changes during the Fall 2008 Veto Session in November. ILA assumes that the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office will oppose the governor’s action, since this changes the intention of their legislation.

The House is expected to override the governor’s action; it is unclear what action the Senate may take; and if both chambers override the governor’s veto, then HB 4527 will become law as originally passed. If the Illinois General Assembly fails to override the governor veto, then both the original bill and the amendatorily vetoed bill will both fail.

Advance Registration Deadline Is Monday, 1 September
Early bird registration for the 2008 ILA Annual Conference is now closed, but advance registration is open until Monday, 1 September. To save money, please register by the advance registration deadline of Monday, 1 September. This the same deadline date for registering an author for the Illinois Authors’ Luncheon on Friday, September 26. Go to www.ila.org/events.

Free Exhibit Passes Available
Exhibits are open Wednesday, September 24, 12:30 to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, September 25, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To obtain a pass, please visit the ILA Registration Deskat Navy Pier. Exhibit passes cannot be used to attend conference programs. Please note that exhibits will not be open on Friday, 26 September.

Project Runway at ILA
Are you ready for a library event like no other? Join ILA on Thursday, September 25 for Style from the Stacks in the LaSalle Ballroom of the Doubletree Hotel Chicago Magnificent Mile, 300 E. Ohio St.

The evening begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Spend some time catching up with your colleagues prior to the centerpiece of the evening – ILA’s own version of Project Runway! Hosted by Steven Rosengard from Project Runway: Season 4, the fashion show will feature library-inspired fashions created by Illinois librarians. After the fashion show, dance the night away with your colleagues!

Event Schedule:

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Fashion Show

9:00 – 11:00 p.m. Dessert, Drinks, and Dancing

Pre-registration is required for this event. Visit www.ila.org/events to register!