Don't Silence Michigan Librarians

If SB 571 becomes law, librarians would be sent to jail for sharing factual information about elections with their communities.

As of 6 January 2016, this petition is closed.

Dear Governor Snyder,

We, the undersigned, strongly urge you to Veto SB 571 this session. We need to preserve the right of a free people to get factual information from their libraries, and the right of taxpayers to be informed of the facts about tax measures and referendum before an election.

The Bill should be sent back. It is unacceptable because it reduces transparency in government and prohibits library employees and boards from answering factual questions from the people they serve. Protect our free speech rights and our right to get information about our elections from our public libraries.

The 60 day gag rule for local government elections needs to be fixed.

Sincerely,

[5,379 signatures]

Will you sign?

As of 6 January 2016, this petition is closed.

Despite protests and pleas from over 5,300 signers to this petition, the Michigan Library Association, and dozens state and national of government organizations, Governor Snyder signed SB 571 into law on Wednesday, January 6th, 2016. His signing statement includes an assurance that "The Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House have agreed to work together on follow-up legislation clarifying the provision in section 57 of the Act in time for the March 2016 election." We remain vigilant and concerned. Please check the Michigan Library Association legislative updates for more information that affects libraries and librarians. We continue to be an ally to MLA and a partner with the libraries we work with in Michigan.

We're keeping the petition language below for ongoing reference. 5,379 signers need their voice to be heard.

Stay up to date on EveryLibrary's statements and advocacy about #VetoSB571.

ORIGINAL PETITION

The Michigan House and Senate pulled a fast one last week and Governor Snyder needs to do the right thing for libraries, schools, and parks by Vetoing SB 571. If SB 571 becomes law, librarians would be sent to jail for sharing factual information about elections with their communities. Library boards would be fined thousands of dollars of sending out a newsletter if it shares information about what is on your local ballot. We need honest and transparent elections. SB 571 is ridiculous. It is both anti- free speech and anti- good government. Don’t let the politicians in Lansing force librarians to hide information about what is on your ballot! Join thousands of citizens from around Michigan and tell Governor Snyder to Veto SB 571 because information needs to be free by signing the petition today.

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As of 6 January 2016, this petition is closed.

Dear Governor Snyder,

We, the undersigned, strongly urge you to Veto SB 571 this session. We need to preserve the right of a free people to get factual information from their libraries, and the right of taxpayers to be informed of the facts about tax measures and referendum before an election.

The Bill should be sent back. It is unacceptable because it reduces transparency in government and prohibits library employees and boards from answering factual questions from the people they serve. Protect our free speech rights and our right to get information about our elections from our public libraries.

The 60 day gag rule for local government elections needs to be fixed.

Sincerely,

[5,379 signatures]

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