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Tonight I’m asking you join me in supporting the Texas State Library & Archives Commission (TSLAC). Those of you who live in Texas know that our state legislature meets biannually, setting the budget for two fiscal years. Each state agency is required to turn in their projected budget and then ask for “exceptional items” – one time requests.
The Texas State Archives archival storage facility has been full since 1992 and has been forced to store archival records in less than ideal locations. They desparately need a new facility that will house the overflow and provide them with another twenty years worth of growth. The TSLAC recognizes this need as Exceptional Item Priority #1.
Wednesday, February 25, the Texas House Appropriations General Government Subcommittee will hear testimony on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s budget.
It would be so helpful if you could take a brief moment on Tuesday, February 24 to contact the chair of the House Appropriations, Rep. John Otto (512) 463-0570 and let him know that you are in full support of the Library & Archives Commission’s request for appropriations to construct a facility to properly store and preserve state archival records for future generations.
I have learned that the Texas Library Association (TLA) is fighting strong for TSLAC exceptional items that are lower on the budget priority list, yet TLA is not asking their 7000+ members to support Priority #1. The TLA is very well organized, with a government affairs committee and sponsors for their “Legislative Day” where their members meet in Austin, attend delegate trainings, and then spend the day meeting with representatives.
Therefore it is up to the rest of us to get the word out that we support the TSLAC Priority #1.
Please contact your state representative to express your support fir TSLAC Exceptional Item Priority 1, the expansion of archival storage space.
There are many issues facing the Texas Legislature this year and we are all aware of the present economic state. However, expansion for the Archives records storage area is necessary if they are going to be able to continue their work preserving essential state records. Without phone calls from Texas citizens across the state, this issue may be buried and forgotten.
If you have the time and inclination to contact every member of the House Appropriations General Government Subcommittee, that would be wonderful.