1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support an amendment to Senate Bill 4 that would delay implementation of the public library language until January 1, 2029, in alignment with SEA 1. With a vote scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, time is critical to protect Indiana's public libraries from destabilization. As currently written, SB4 threatens to fundamentally harm every public library in Indiana by allowing them to be easily defunded by their county or city. The bill contains no guardrails on budget reduction. If a library grows its budget at or above 50% of the Maximum Levy Growth Quotient, it could face significant defunding and would not prevent library budgets from being zeroed out entirely. This changes how library governance has worked in Indiana for generations. Public libraries provide essential services that Hoosiers rely on daily, from early literacy programs and homework help for students to job search resources and internet access for those without home connectivity. Allowing sudden, unchecked budget cuts would eliminate these core services that strengthen our communities and support economic opportunity. A delay until 2029 would align SB4 with SEA 1 and provide necessary time to assess the impact of these changes before implementation. This measured approach protects the stability of library services while still allowing for future policy adjustments. I also ask that you support amendments restoring guardrails that limit budget reduction to 10% and focus binding review on fiscal concerns rather than broader operational matters. Indiana's libraries serve as vital community anchors. They deserve thoughtful policy changes that include reasonable protections against arbitrary defunding. I respectfully request that you support amendments delaying implementation until 2029 and restoring essential budget guardrails when SB4 comes to a vote on February 23.