Call To Action! We are in the final stretch toward next fiscal year's budget! The House and Senate are in conference right now discussing everyone's recommendations. Unfortunately, both the House and the Senate have recommended the same number as the Governor in general funding next year - $723,776. It is frustrating but it is unlikely that this number will change before the budget is completed. However, it is still very possible to save the REAL money! The Governor recommended that this money be zeroed out. The House recommended the full 3.1 million but the Senate only recommended 1.5 million. The final number could end up anywhere in between these two numbers. (It would have likely stayed $0 if you all hadn't contacted your legislators!) So many people rely on internet service in our libraries and we can't let it be cut. The following Senators and Representatives are on the committee that will be negotiating between the House and the Senate. We've included their phone numbers, a sample script, and all of their emails. Libraries are so important and deserve to be fully funded. We know this, now let's make sure the people representing us know it as well. Please call and email them today! (If you are one of their constituents, let them know!) One last big push to Save MO Libraries! REPRESENTATIVES FLANIGAN - Jasper County/Carthage - 573-751-5458 FITZPATRICK - Lawrence, Stone, Barry Counties - 573-751-1488 ROSS- Phelps, Texas, Howell, Pulaski Counties - 573-751-1490 LAFAVER - Part of Jackson County/KC - 573-751-2437 MCCANN BEATTY - KC Metro - 573-751-2124 SENATORS SCHAEFER - Boone, Cooper counties/Columbia - (573) 751-3931 BROWN - Camden, Crawford, Dent, Phelps, Pulaski Counties - (573) 751-5713 SILVEY - Clay County/NKC - (573) 751-5282 CURLS - Parts of Jackson County/KC - (573) 751-3158 WALSH - St Louis County/STL - (573) 751-2420 Sample Script: The library is one of the most important institutions in Missouri. Libraries are seeing more use than ever before and provide a central hub of programming, discussion, and community. Last year, Missouri Libraries received $3.6 million in general funding and $3.1 million in REAL (Remote Electronic Access to Libraries) funding. Without this money, many libraries may be forced to reduce hours and many Missourians who rely on the library for internet access may no longer have a way to get online. As you discuss HB 12, please think of the millions of Missourians who rely on their libraries. Please be their champion and make sure that the libraries in your district are fully funded! Email: Robert.Ross@house.mo.gov; Shalonn.Curls@senate.mo.gov; Ryan.Silvey@senate.mo.gov; Dan.Brown@senate.mo.gov; Kurt.Schaefer@senate.mo.gov; Gina.Walsh@senate.mo.gov; Thomas.Flanigan@house.mo.gov; Scott.Fitzpatrick@house.mo.gov; Jeremy.LaFaver@house.mo.gov; Gail.Beatty@house.mo.gov