Federal:
The MLA encourages sending thanks to those senators who are members of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Their FY2018 bill funds the NLM at $420.9 million, more than the “at least $412 million” recommended by the MLA/AAHSL Legislative Task Force. Contact Illinois Senator Dick Durbin to thank him for his work on the FY2018 bill.
The MLA and American Association of Law Libraries submitted recommendations concerning the Federal Depository Library Program regarding modernization of public access to government information. A summary and link to the recommendations are available from the MLA. ALA President Jim Neal also provided comments; read more about his input from the District Dispatch.
State:
There are a few acts moving through the Illinois legislature that may be of interest:
HB4109 was filed on October 6th and amends the EMS Systems Act related to stroke care and evidence-based guidelines. More information at https://legiscan.com/IL/bill/HB4109/2017
HB4096 was filed in September and has been adding sponsors for the past few weeks. This bill amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code related to pharmaceuticals. More information at https://legiscan.com/IL/bill/HB4096/2017
HB0339 was filed way back in January and has not seen much action but has just added another sponsor. This bill amends the Salaries Act and decreases the salaries of several political offices including the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and many more. More information at https://legiscan.com/IL/bill/HB0339/2017
HR0631 was filed on October 10th and congratulates Dr. Sharon Smaga for receiving the “2017 Rural Physician of Excellence Award” from the Illinois Rural Health Association. More information at https://legiscan.com/IL/bill/HR0631/2017