I do not like to have this kind of message on the Mail List, but Governor Locke and the Senate seem to want to eliminate or nearly eliminate the Washington State Library and we neen to notify as many people as possible to keep the library open. Charles WASPOKANE list Administrator ----- Original Message ----- From: karen goettling <115106.667@compuserve.com> > Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2003 11:09 PM Subject: state library needs your help We need your help The Senate plans to impose drastic cuts to the State library this week TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION! On Monday, January 27, Senator Dino Rossi will propose a Supplemental Budget that makes drastic cuts to the State Library. At Monday's surprise hearing he could bypass the legislative budget process and reduce the Library to a warehouse by enacting a 58% reduction--to take effect IMMEDIATELY. Under the proposed budget: -----Over $3 million in federal funds that support public, school and academic libraries is jeopardized. -----The State Library's collections will be warehoused and access is eliminated. -----Reference staff is eliminated for the public. -----Local library service to the blind and visually-impaired people is cut 36%. -----Public access to historic collections and genealogical materials will be eliminated. This Supplemental Budget is on a fast track. The full Senate will consider it THIS WEEK. Here are three ways you can make a difference: ________________________________________ 1) Call or e-mail Senator Dino Rossi now! By e-mail, Senator Dino Rossi: rossi_di@leg.wa.gov By phone, Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday 2) Call or e-mail your own Senator. 3) Forward this e-mail to your friends who care about libraries. Ask them to e-mail Dino Rossi and their Senators ______________________________________________ For additional information: wslfriends.org Thanks so much for your help! Karen Goettling, Secretary, Friends of Washington State Library