Advocacy Alert – December 17, 2018
Last Chance to Pass IMLS Reauthorization This Year, Please Contact Your Representative Today!
IMLS Reauthorization Current Status
Critical legislation for the future federal support of museums is currently stalled in Congress in the final stage of passage. Bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (S. 3530), unanimously passed the Senate on Dec. 4 and now awaits House action. With only a few days left in this session of Congress, the House of Representatives needs to pass this bill as soon as possible or will have to start from scratch next year when the new Congress convenes.
Why is Reauthorization Important?
Reauthorization shows renewed bipartisan support for the agency’s programs and a renewed commitment to its funding. It also gives the agency important new direction. For museums, the legislation formally supports a 21st Century Museum Professional Program, to improve the recruitment, preparation, and professional development of museum professionals, especially those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
Act Now!
If you did not respond to last week’s alert, please take a moment to email this letter to your member of the U.S. House of Representatives asking them to pass the bipartisan Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (S.3530) to support museums in their district and help museums continue to serve their communities.
SPECIAL ACTION ITEM: If your legislator is House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), or House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), please call them now and ask that they pass S. 3530, the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, as soon as possible. As members of the House leadership, these legislators are responsible for deciding which bills are allowed to be considered for passage before the end of this current session of Congress.
For more information, please see the Alliance’s IMLS Reauthorization Issue Brief.
Thank you for your advocacy for museums!
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