Blumenthal Statement on Reinstatement of Federal IMLS Grant to CT State Library

[Hartford, CT] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the statement below following the news that the Connecticut State Library has been notified by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that its FY2024 federal grant in the amount of $2.16 million has been reinstated, reversing its April 1 decision to terminate Connecticut’s grant mid-year. The grant was awarded under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States program.

“Cuts to the Connecticut State Library would have endangered summer reading, early literacy, and digital connectivity programs - a rash and reckless move. I’m thrilled IMLS heeded my calls to reinstate this crucial funding, but our fight is far from over. The Trump Administration has left countless state and local services in limbo, and I’ll continue to fight back against these callous cuts.”

On April 22nd, Blumenthal wrote to Acting Director of the IMLS Keith Sonderling expressing opposition to IMLS’ decision to terminate grants to libraries in Connecticut. Blumenthal was joined in his letter by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA). Last month, Blumenthal met with dozens of Connecticut museums, libraries and cultural organizations to hear firsthand how these cuts are impacting and imperiling their programs.

The full text of the letter to IMLS can be found here.

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