NYLA Legislative Committee

Charge

The Legislative Committee serves to represent each of NYLA's constituent groups for the research, monitoring, and support or opposition to state legislative and funding issues that impact New York's library community.

Composition

The chair is appointed by the NYLA President-Elect for a one-year term, with start and end dates coinciding with the Annual Conference.  Each year, the NYLA President-Elect also appoints two at-large members who serve for a three-year term, with start and end dates coinciding with the Annual Conference, for a total of six at-large members.  Each Section shall appoint a representative to serve on the committee for a renewable one-year term, with start and end dates coinciding with the Annual Conference.

Each of NYLA’s affiliate organizations may appoint an ex-officio representative to the committee (PULISDO, NY3Rs, SLSA, Central Library Directors, NYSL-DLD, LTA).  The NYS Coordinator for ALA National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) holds an ex-officio seat on the committee.  Each of the ‘big three’ NYC library systems are invited to send an ex-officio representative.

2026 Legislative Committee Roster

Jen Park, Chairperson
Ginger Tebo, President
AnnaLee Dragon, Staff
Max Prime, Staff
Michele Bonan, Ex-Officio
Luisa Benedetto, Ex-Officio
George Mihaltses, Ex-Officio
Lauren Comito, Ex-Officio
Lauren Moore, Ex-Officio
Ryan Perry, ASLS Rep
Marjorie Focarazzo, FLS Rep
Judy Fachko, LAMS Rep
Jean Currie, LTAS Rep
Chloe Whittaker, PLS Rep
Rosemarie Gatzek, SMART Rep
Jill Leinung, SSL Rep
Haleigh Mikolajczyk, YSS Rep
Kerrie Burch, SLSA Rep
Meg Backus, ESLN Rep
Kevin Verbesey, PULISDO Rep
Vacant, Central Library Director
Rebekkah Smith-Aldrich, At-Large Member
Ron Kirsop, At-Large Member
Sheryl Knab, At-Large Member
Rachel Scott, At-Large Member
Kerri Souto, At-Large Member
Adam Traub, At-Large Member
Dana Hysell, At-Large Member

Important Advocacy Information

• NYLA Library Advocacy Day

Links to New York State Information

• Addresses for New York State Assembly
• Search Assembly Bills by number or keyword
• Addresses for New York State Senate
• Search Senate Bills & Resolutions
• Office of the Governor - Governor Kathy Hochul

Links to Federal Information

• ALA Washington Office
• Addresses for U. S. House of Representatives
• Addresses for U. S. Senate
• E-mail the President

NYLA Civil Service Subcommittee

Charge

To monitor and review updates and changes to New York State Civil Service regulations as they impact the library community, and to provide guidance to the library community on issues relating to the Civil Service at the state and local level.

Composition

The Civil Service Committee shall be made up of three to seventeen members. The chair shall be appointed annually by the NYLA president. The chair shall appoint all remaining members of the committee.

Civil Service Committee Resources