The library world was well and ably represented before the Utilities and Energy Commission yesterday as a hearing was held on LD 29 "An Act to Eliminate the Telephone Service Tax Dedicated to Libraries and Schools". The only person speaking in favor of the LD was its sponsor. The following library-connected people presented testimony against the LD: (Please forgive me and remind me if I have inadvertently omitted anyone) Elizabeth Moran - Chair of the Maine Library Commission (Camden) Anne Davis - President of the Maine Library Association Steve Nichols - President of the Maine Trustees Association (Buxton) Bill Sullivan - President of Friends of Maine Libraries (Bangor) Nancy Crowell - Scarborough Public Library Kristi Bryant - Wells Public Library (who left a sick child at home to drive to Augusta!) Gary Nichols - Maine State Librarian Betsy Pohl and Sylvia Norton were in attendance. Presenters were articulate and clear about the devastating impact that would result from passage of this L.D. If I may get personal, Gary and I were delighted and thankful to be represented by such an impressive group of testifiers. We thank each person who spoke, each person who attended the hearing and the many of you (including Valerie and dozens of others) who took time to email, write, fax and call legislators on this issue. Those actions on your part make all the difference in the world. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. The work session on this bill is Monday afternoon (Feb. 10) at 1:00 p.m. The PUC, DOE reps, and Gary and I will be there to respond to any detailed questions that may be posed. There is no opportunity for public testimony at a work session as the purpose of a work session is to give committee members an opportunity to ask questions and gather more information about the issue before them. However, work sessions are public and any one available is welcome to attend. As Barbara McDade has shared with you, a public hearing on ARRC legislation will be held on Tuesday afternoon. Thanks again to all of you for your conscientious attention to and support of library-related legislation. Other agencies or groups represented and testifying in opposition were: Maine Municipal Association Public Utilities Commission Office of the Public Advocate Two members of the House of Representatives ACTEM (Association of Computer and Technology Educators of Maine) President A school principal A school superintendent Maine Private Schools Those who submitted written testimony against the bill included: The Maine Principal's Association Maine School Management Association Linda H. Lord Director of Library Development Maine State Library 64 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 287-5620 [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>