FY2008 Institute of Museum and Library Services Reauthorization
From the American Association of Museums Advocacy Team:
AAM Museum Advocacy Team®
Action Alert – June 26, 2007
Contact Congress: Battle for Museum Funding Continues!
Battle for Museum Funding Continues
Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the recommendations of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies for the FY 2008 budget of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Senate appropriators proposed an even smaller increase than their House counterparts for the museum programs at IMLS and less funding – $1.7 million of the $4 million requested – for the agency's new research activities which could jeopardize the $500,000 proposed for research about museums. They did, however, add $10 million to the IMLS budget for congressional earmarks.
There is still time for Congress to adjust these numbers in favor of increasing funds for the museum programs at IMLS. A prime opportunity comes after the July 4th recess when the House Appropriations Committee can amend the recommendations of the House Labor/HHS Subcommittee when it meets to approve the legislation prior to consideration by the full House.
We Need Your Help
Our Message
It is critical that Congress and the Federal government continue to show leadership by supporting investments through IMLS to advance America's museums in four important areas – caring for and conserving our collections; improving museum programs and operations; supporting museum professionals' development; and conducting research and collecting data to help policymakers, museum trustees and leaders make smart decisions.
The Ask
Congress needs to increase its investment in our nation's museums by providing IMLS additional funds to:
1) conduct much needed research about our nation's museums, and
2) build the capacity of our nation's museums so they can continue to serve the public by preserving and protecting our natural and cultural heritage and by enhancing and fostering the lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the world around us.
- If you are represented by a member of the Appropriations Committee, please contact them and ask them to support additional funds for the museum programs at IMLS. Check here to see if your representative is a member of the committee.
- If you are not represented by a member of the Appropriations Committee, please ask your representative to talk to members of the committee to request their support for additional funds for IMLS' museum programs.
Please share with us your emails and faxes and let us know the views of your member of Congress on this issue.
Although the weeks immediately following the July 4th holiday will be critical to this year's appropriations process, remember that if you don't get a chance to see your legislators next week you'll have another opportunity to do so during the lengthier August District Work Period from August 6-31. Watch for the upcoming July Museum Advocacy Team® alert for more about reaching out to legislators in August.
Contact Your Representatives in Congress
Legislators rely on the opinions and positions of their constituents to inform their votes throughout the annual appropriations process.
Visit www.house.gov/writerep to write or e-mail your Representative or www.senate.gov to get your Senators' contact information. If you send an e-mail, be sure to include the topic, bill or agency in your subject line so that it can be directed to the appropriate staff member responsible for the issue.
Or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for the office of your Representative or Senators and request to speak to the staffer responsible for the issue.