1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I’m writing to express my strong opposition to Executive Order 14238, which proposes dismantling or defunding essential federal agencies including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, and others. This executive action threatens to undermine critical public services and bypasses Congress’s constitutional power of the purse. I’m particularly concerned about the long-term impact on children and families in our community. Libraries—supported in part by IMLS—are more than places for books. They are lifelines of literacy and learning, especially during the summer months when children are at risk of academic backslide. For example, our local library’s summer reading program does more than just promote reading—it fosters a love of learning. Children are encouraged to read, track their progress, and are rewarded with community-based incentives like passes to the Topsfield Fair. This beloved event not only celebrates local culture but also introduces kids to agriculture, farming, and environmental awareness—critical knowledge for the next generation of Americans. Eliminating or starving programs like these for the sake of political optics would not only hurt our educational ecosystem, it would do lasting damage to children’s development, confidence, and curiosity—especially in rural and underserved areas. I respectfully ask that you: • Formally oppose Executive Order 14238 • Publicly support continued funding for the IMLS and related institutions • Advocate for hearings on how this executive order will affect families, education, and local economies These programs may seem small from a federal perspective, but on the ground, they make a world of difference. Thank you for your time, your service, and for protecting the public goods that build strong communities.