Secretary Fontes Condemns Action Dismantling IMLS

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D-AZ) expressed deep concern and disappointment following the abrupt placement of staff on administrative leave at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, leaving federal grants to local libraries in jeopardy. “Federal grants are basically tax dollars being put to work in a smart way to help the people who paid them in. The reckless layoff of IMLS staff is a devastating act of sabotage,” said Secretary Fontes. “This decision will ripple in ways that could deny access to learning, legal resources, broadband support, and historical preservation to millions of Arizonans, especially those in rural, tribal, and underserved communities. I’ve instructed my office to look at all available options to keep these programs running.” In Arizona, IMLS funding is vital to statewide initiatives and direct support for local libraries. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records is still assessing just how deep the impact of funding cuts will go, but the consequences are already clear: contracts have been terminated for LAPR staff who deliver Digital Navigator services, a support that many communities rely on.