Note: Since this report was issued, Senate Bill 93 died on the governor's desk. Governor Owen chose to veto the State Funding bill, citing concerns over Internet access "that when ... children visit public libraries, they ... not be subject(ed) to violence, hate and pornography." While disappointed, the CLA Legislative Committee will continue to work for funding for Colorado's libraries. You'll hear more on this in future!

Good news on the legislative front: the "State Grants for Libraries" bill passed the legislature, and as I write, is on its way to a signing ceremony in the Governor's office. This bill results in another means of funding for the qualifying public, school and academic libraries in the state. For some of your readers, this means you! The rest of us will certainly benefit from additional resources in the libraries we use so often for research.

It was quite a coup to have the bill passed in the same session it was introduced. Much of this was due to the lobbying efforts of Ruben Valdez and Jerry Braden on behalf of the Colorado Library Association Legislative Committee. Coordination of effort and support from the Colorado Educational Media Association (i.e. school librarians) and the Colorado Municipal League was also instrumental in bringing this effort to fruition. Denver City Librarian Rick Ashton headed up the library community committee on State Funding, which can now turn its attention to interpretation and assistance in the rule-making process needed to implement the legislation.

If you can take a moment to thank sponsors Senator Gigi Dennis and Representatives Doug Dean and Ken Kester, your effort will most likely be remembered. In the thankless job that is politics, so often the note of appreciation is missing. Let's show them that law librarians are different!

Good news on the Government Relations Committee front: Ann Marie Wills is the new chair of the Government Relations Committee, and will serve as liaison to the CLA Legislative Committee. Ann Marie is an enthusiastic supporter of quality public libraries, and will be a great representative of CoALL in the larger library community.

Good news on the Political Action Committee fund-raising front: on Friday, May 15th, a lovely luncheon was held at the home of Jaren and Bruce Ducker. Jaren is a Library Commissioner of the Denver Public Librtary and Bruce is an attorney and award-winning author. A casual tour of their home, located in the Denver Country Club neighborhood , preceeded an al fresco meal. The event raised much needed funds for the PAC coffers. If you were unable to attend this event, consider sending a check to the Colorado Libraries Political Action Committee, P.O. Box 452, Lafayette, Colorado 80026. And keep your eyes peeled for up coming fun fund-raisers. There's talk of the next one being held in a Denver art gallery....