As a result of the state budget crisis, the endangered list includes all the historic sites owned by the state of Wisconsin (according to the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation). The budget cuts will also effect the Wisconsin Historical Library and the Historical Museum - help protect our heritage and our history. As a family history researcher you have very likely used the library in Madison... if the budget cuts are too severe even mandated services may have to be cut, such as burial sites protection and collecting government publications and records. Your support is needed to help reduce the reduction in the budget for the Wisconsin Historical Society. For information on the budget cuts http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/budget/ People need to attend the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee public hearings in your area. Testifying at a committee meeting, in person or in writing, is an effective way to let the members know your position. Don't let the word testify scare you... that is just how presentations to committees are labeled. You are limited to 3 minutes-be concise and clear. Register Support - Even if you don't intend to testify, registering is very important. Anyone can register their opinion to help educate their lawmakers. The lawmakers keep track of how many people register for a particular issue. Register AGAINST proposed reductions for Wisconsin Historical Society funds and staffing. Written statements may be given to the clerk when you register-for those of you who may not have the time to wait to testify. Thursday, April 3rd River Falls HS Auditorium Tuesday, April 8th UW-Platteville Center for the Arts 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 9th State Capitol Room 412-E Please see this letter from the president of the Wisconsin Genealogical Society. http://www.wiiowagensoc.org/ http://www.wiiowagensoc.org/WSGS1.pdf Family historians and the study of Wisconsin history are important to creating better citizens, more informed citizens, citizens that are more likely to vote and more likely to pay attention to civic matters. Please do not refer to family history as a hobby... there is no sympathy for supporting a hobby with tax money. http://www.legis.state.wi.us/cguide.htm