[CASL-L] Please Contact Your Senators Now to Co-Sponsor SKILLS Act

[IRENE KWIDZINSKI]

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides federal funding for K-12 education programs. Reauthorization of legislation of this nature will determine federal education policy for the coming decade and it is imperative that dedicated funding for school library programs be included.

On January 29, 2015, Senators Reed (D-RI), Cochran (R-MI), and Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced S. 312, the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries Act (SKILLS Act), that would improve students’ literacy skills and readiness for higher education and careers through effective school library programs. ALA is currently working with Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI) on an amendment for the HELP Committee markup that would add provisions from the SKILLS Act to ESEA to provide dedicated funding for effective school library programs.

We need you to contact both Senators from your state at their DC office and let them know how critical school libraries are in improving our education system. Ask them to support dedicated funding for effective school library programs under ESEA by co-sponsoring S.312.

Here is the link to ALA’s Engage system that will provide you more information, talking points, direct information on your senators. You just need to put in some basic information.
http://cqrcengage.com/ala/app/make-a-call?13&engagementId=80622<http://www.palibraries.org/link.asp?e=awdobbs@ship.edu&job=1737793&ymlink=3255636&finalurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcqrcengage%2Ecom%2Fala%2Fapp%2Fmake%2Da%2Dcall%3F13%26engagementId%3D80622>
Or you can call the United States Capitol switchboard is  (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.
Please take a few minutes to make a call. They need to hear from you!  Help make an impact for kids and libraries!
Thanks so much!
Michael Dowling
Director
International and Chapter Relations Offices
American Library Association
50 E Huron St
Chicago, IL, USA
p +1 800-545-2433 ext 3200
f  +1 312-280-4392
http://www.ala.org/iro












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