Latest news with #GrantstoStatesProgram
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DPI receives part of federal library funds, but uncertainty will affect grant services
Wisconsin libraries rely on funding provided by the federal government through the Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States Program. (Photo courtesy of Madison Public Library) The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) received $1.6 million in grants from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support library operations and programming last week, though uncertainty remains for the program. Wisconsin libraries rely on funding provided by the federal government through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States Program, but that program has been in danger since President Donald Trump signed an executive order to downsize and begin the process of eliminating the agency. DPI and libraries throughout the state have warned that eliminating the funding would be a blow to statewide support for library programs as the grants fund staff for programs including the interlibrary loan system and other grants. The notification message from IMLS to DPI stated that the partial payment is for the time period through April 2025. It also notified the state agency that 'any additional amounts are subject to the availability of funds, IMLS discretion and other actions' and that 'should those conditions be met, IMLS anticipates issuing supplemental awards and will send the allotment table at that time.' 'At this time, the DPI has not received a final allotment table indicating the amount of funding Wisconsin will receive,' the DPI stated in an update to libraries Tuesday afternoon. 'This is not the typical fashion in which these funds are granted to states, but receiving a partial award provides some stability and relief in the short term.' The uncertainties for federal funding will still have some impact on the services that DPI carries out. Typically, the DPI Library Services office opens grant subawards, which are grants funded by federal funds and administered by the state agency, to library systems in Wisconsin in July. That won't happen this year due to the uncertainty surrounding the amount and timing of future Grants to States funds. 'The DPI will prioritize the Library Services salaries and the tools necessary to do their jobs with this partial allotment,' DPI said in the email. The Library Services team is made up of about 20 people with 16 of the positions funded with federal dollars. 'The team will reassess the viability of providing subawards once more is known about the future of IMLS and LSTA funding.' The amount that the state received is about half of the $3.23 million that Wisconsin received for the Grants to States Program received in 2024. Ben Miller, DPI library services director, had previously told the Examiner that the expected payment would serve as the next milestone for the state agency. There was uncertainty surrounding whether the payment would be sent given the gutting of staff for the IMLS office and the fact that other grants for libraries and museums have already been cut. Wisconsin is part of a multi-state lawsuit challenging the cuts to IMLS. Miller had said that even if the agency received the payment, it will likely be cautious in proceeding with certain actions as the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, the federal law that the grant program relies on, is up for renewal this fall. DPI spokesperson Chris Bucher said in an email to the Examiner that the state agency is 'encouraged' by the first payment and is 'optimistic given the IMLS note about issuing the supplemental awards.' 'Our top priority remains being [of] service to Wisconsin kids and communities,' Bucher said. DPI also it would continue to provide updates to libraries as the situation evolves and thanked the library community for 'sharing your stories, working with elected officials, and remaining steadfast in the incredible services you provide every day.' Libraries across the state have been working to inform the public about the potential cuts and to advocate for the federal funding with lawmakers. 'Keep being loud and proud about the meaningful work happening in your libraries and communities,' DPI wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Libraries pushing back against plans to eliminate federal service, funding
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — If you've recently been to a Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, you might have found a notice — either posted, or inside a book — with a QR code. When scanned, it details a recent executive order from the Trump administration eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Signed by President Donald Trump last month, the order states it 'continues the reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary.' More than half of the library systems in the state rely on funding from the New York Public Library, which, in turn, is funded by the IMLS. 'It may not be direct here, but an attack on libraries or library systems really is going to affect all of us and how we access them and what we do with them,' said Buffalo and Erie County Public Library chief operating officer Angela Marinucci. The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library is unique since it's primarily funded through property taxes. But Marinucci said our local libraries would still feel the effects. According to an email sent to library patrons, since 1996 IMLS and its Grants to States Program has provided more than $8 million annually to support the New York State Library. Distributions to local library systems, including Erie County, include construction aid — which goes toward things like HVAC systems or new roofing. 'Things that are extremely expensive and will often put a library out of business,' Marinucci said. 'When you think about even just these beautiful stacks (of books) behind us, a roof leak could decimate this collection.' John Spears is the director of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. In the email sent to patrons, Spears said people opposed to these cuts can reach out to their representatives. WIVB News 4 received the following statement from Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy on this issue: 'I'm proud to support our libraries, which serve as vital community hubs for learning, literacy, and opportunity, as evidenced by Congress' allocation of $294.8 million in last year's budget. However, it's also clear that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is in need of reforms to create efficiencies and eliminate political bias and the influence of left-wing ideology. This is a short-term leave that will allow the Trump Administration to assess staffing, and they have made it clear that they intend to revitalize I.M.L.S. to restore its focus on cultivating love of country in future generations.' Democratic Congressman Tim Kennedy also released a statement: 'Libraries are essential. The Trump administration's decision to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services threatens jobs and vital resources and services that Western New Yorkers rely on. In 2024 alone, New York received $8 million through the IMLS to fund literacy programs for kids and adults, train library staff, and expand digital equity. While local branches may not face an immediate hit, the long-term effects could be devastating if the state is forced to divert construction aid that local libraries rely on to fill the gaps with the loss of federal support. This puts local systems that are already stretched thin at further risk. I am in close communication with our local library systems and will continue to fight against these attacks on education and equity.' In addition to reaching out to representatives, Spears also said people can donate to the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library and help lessen future impact resulting from the loss of IMLS. Marlee Tuskes is an award-winning anchor and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2019. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California among states suing Trump administration over order to dismantle library agency
California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order aimed at dismantling several federally established agencies that provide crucial funding to libraries, museums, and minority-owned businesses. The lawsuit challenges Executive Order No. 14238, signed by President Donald Trump in March, which directs agencies such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to eliminate all functions not explicitly required by law and to slash staff and services to the statutory minimum. California, 19 states suing Trump administration over massive layoffs at Department of Education 'The Trump Administration is once again violating the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law by attempting to unilaterally shut down agencies the President doesn't like,' Bonta said in a statement. 'Dismantling these agencies would have a devastating impact on the public and states across the nation.' According to the lawsuit, the order also instructs the Office of Management and Budget to withhold funding already allocated by Congress for services beyond the statutory minimum — a move the attorneys general argue is unconstitutional. 'These agencies serve as the backbone of economic and cultural advancement in our communities,' Bonta said. 'The administration's efforts to incapacitate them are not only cruel but blatantly illegal.' Through IMLS's Grants to States Program, the California State Library received $15.7 million in federal funding to support statewide library programs and staffing. However, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, over 21% of that funding has yet to be sent to California. This marks California's 12th lawsuit against the Trump administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
