MSLA has partnered with MLA in joining the
Coalition for Our Communities
advocating for
Vote NO on Question 1
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MSLA has joined many other state organizations in supporting the Coalition for Our Communities to Vote No on Question 1.

We believe that passage of this law will negatively impact all libraries across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and have a direct impact on the teaching of 21st century skills in our schools. For more information about this initiative please visit: http://votenoquestion1.com/facts.html

Additionally, the following information is provided to advise you of what you may need to know in your own personal goals. Please note that MSLA is a nonprofit organization. Read carefully the statement from the IRS on lobbying.

RESOURCES:

• Campaign Fact Sheet:   http://votenoquestion1.com/facts.html 
• Position Statement of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners:
  http://mblc.state.ma.us/mblc/news/releases/pastreleases/2008/nr080905.php
  
• The Massachusetts Teachers Association, Campaign for Our Communities:
  http://massteacher.org/campaign/ourcommunities.pdf
  
• Massachusetts General Law Statement on Political Activity by Public Employees:
  http://www.mass.gov/ocpf/guides/fs_pub_emp.pdf

Statement on lobbying from the IRS:

In general, no organization may qualify for section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying).  A 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying activity risks loss of tax-exempt status.

Legislation includes action by Congress, any state legislature, any local council, or similar governing body, with respect to acts, bills, resolutions, or similar items (such as legislative confirmation of appointive office), or by the public in referendum, ballot initiative, constitutional amendment, or similar procedure.  It does not include actions by executive, judicial, or administrative bodies.

An organization will be regarded as attempting to influence legislation if it contacts, or urges the public to contact, members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation, or if the organization advocates the adoption or rejection of legislation.

Organizations may, however, involve themselves in issues of public policy without the activity being considered as lobbying.  For example, organizations may conduct educational meetings, prepare and distribute educational materials, or otherwise consider public policy issues in an educational manner without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.