Pennsylvania Budget – Arts & Culture sees new cuts
Feb 4th, 2009 | By | Category: Action & AdvocacyReport from The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
Today, in the face of a mounting budget crisis across the United States, Governor Ed Rendell presented the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Executive Budget to a joint session of the General Assembly.
As announced in the Governor’s morning address, the state of Pennsylvania is facing a $2.3 billion deficit. Cuts and eliminations were made across 89% of all line items in the budget. In particular, Rendell noted the cuts of 20% to the 500 items under control of the Executive Branch.
Cuts and eliminations did not miss arts and culture in the state.
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts saw a reduction of $1.225 million, or 8%.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission saw a reduction of 10% on their line items, and the elimination of Museum Assistance Grants.
Libraries saw a cut of 2.3%.
Funding for public television services and the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts was eliminated.
The full text of the budget can be found at
http://ga1.org/ct/ad2TJzE1MXeO/ (PDF File)
The discussion of the budget does not end here. Governor Rendell’s proposal will be dissected through a series of committee meetings to be scheduled specifically between February 17 and March 5. The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance will continue to keep you on your toes in regards to the state’s financial situation, and provide you with as many tools as possible to make the case for the arts in Pennsylvania!
The debate on the federal stimulus has hit the Senate floor. Yesterday, Senators voted on Senator David Vitter’s Amendment 179, which sought to bar stimulus funds being used for zoos, aquariums, or a Mob Museum. Thankfully, the amendment was defeated, 32-65.
The attempt to cut off arts and cultural institutions from the stimulus is not over yet. Senator Tom Coburn’s Amendment 175 seeks a similar goal of barring zoos, aquariums, community parks, museums, theaters, and arts centers, among others, from funding. This amendment is likely to see a vote today or tomorrow.
In the interest of time, the most effective way to reach your senator is to call their office and urge that they OPPOSE Senator Coburn’s Amendment 175 and any future amendments that would eliminate funding to important arts and cultural institutions.
Go to http://ga1.org/ct/Q72TJzE1Nz3b/ to find your senator’s contact information.