Rep. Cleaver Calls on Governor Parson to Protect Funding for Missouri Libraries

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) called on Missouri Governor Mike Parson to protect state funding for public libraries in Missouri, following the Missouri House of Representatives’ attempt to defund local libraries across the state.

In a letter to Governor Parson, Rep. Cleaver wrote:

“Libraries are an essential part of our state’s infrastructure, providing valuable services to citizens and communities that cannot easily be replicated by private companies, nonprofits, or local governments. In addition to providing access to books, libraries offer free internet access, technology training, job search resources, and a range of educational and cultural programs. I implore you to consider the significantly positive impact that libraries have on our state and citizens and work against any attempt at defunding these institutions.”

Recently, the Missouri House of Representatives passed a budget that removed all state funding for local libraries after the Missouri Library Association (MLA) and the Missouri Association of School Librarians lawfully sued to strike down a draconian law passed last year that imposed a sweeping ban on certain books in school libraries. Despite complaints from some lawmakers that Missouri shouldn’t “subsidize” the MLA’s legal action, no state funding is being provided for the lawsuit, as the Missouri chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is providing legal services for free. Moreover, no state aid is being used to fund MLA’s work. Although the Missouri State Senate would also have to approve any effort to defund local libraries throughout the state, Cleaver is calling on Governor Parson to use his authorities as Governor to protect library funding should they be needed.

In total, the effort by the Missouri House of Representatives would eliminate $4.5 million in state funding to hundreds of local libraries located in every county in Missouri. Additionally, such a decision could imperil federal funding for public libraries throughout the state, which totaled $3.4 million last year. As Congressman Cleaver notes in his letter, such a move would disproportionately impact underserved and rural communities because such communities are particularly dependent on state funding for local libraries, which provide essential services like internet access, educational programs, and job search resources.

“I urge you to ensure the protection of our state’s library budget and safeguard funding for these incredibly important institutions. Our state’s citizens and communities deserve access to information and resources that libraries provide, and we should do everything in our power to make sure these essential services continue to be available to all Missourians,” Rep. Cleaver concluded.

The official letter from Rep. Cleaver to Governor Parson is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.