The Committee on Public Policy would like to pass along some information well-summarized by our colleagues in the Council of State Archivists (CoSA). This message includes a summary of what we know now regarding the impact of federal actions on archives, libraries, and museums, alongside suggestions for how to advocate for these institutions and the essential public service they provide.
Federal Budget
On Friday 3/14, the president signed a continuing resolution to fund the government through September 2025. The language of the bill eliminated all earmarks, affecting - among other things - the over $38 million that had been designated for NHPRC projects.
IMLS
Also on Friday 3/14, the president signed an EO, naming the IMLS and other agencies as "elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary." The order mandates an elimination of "non-statutory components and functions." This could mean that the programs providing most funding to archives and museums and organizations like CoSA, COSLA, ATALM, and SAA would be eliminated.
Several library and museum organizations have already published calls to action, and they have useful scripts for contacting elected leaders. These are easily found by searching for organizations including the American Alliance for Museums, the American Library Association, and the American Association for State and Local History.
Every voice matters. Please reach out to your elected officials and tell them your story: how does this affect you, your institution, or your community?
Now is a critical time to share stories of impact for the IMLS, NEH, NPS, NARA, and the NHPRC. CoSA's 2023 Member Webinar on Advocacy provides an excellent overview on steps you can take to let your elected officials know the programs that are a priority to you.
How to contact elected leaders and what to say
The best way to contact your elected leaders is to call their offices. Give your name, tell them that you are a voter and a constituent (and tell them your city), and keep your message succinct and to-the-point about how cuts in funding to these agencies affect you, your institution, or your community. Leaving a voicemail is fine - the offices of Senators and Representatives are tallying those just like answered phone calls.
If you can't call, consider sending an e-mail that you craft yourself. Form e-mails do not carry the same impact as those that are created by a constituent.
After you contact your elected leaders, please consider filling out the Committee on Public Policy's feedback form. This information will be used to track what offices have been contacted, identify where there might be some gaps in advocacy, and give us insights into what messages are resonating with the offices of elected leaders. You can fill out this form each time you contact elected leaders.