Action Alert and Budget UpdateFebruary 12, 2003
We thought you'd like to know the latest news on the state budget. Please note the budget process will take at least the next six months, during which time there will be many changes and updates. We want to keep you informed and to ask for your involvement throughout this process. Please know that your voice is important. It is up to you to mobilize your community and all who care about arts education!
(1) In the Governor's budget proposal for 2003/2004, the $6 million Arts Work grant program (line item 6110-177-0003, known as "Local Arts Education Grant Program") is slated to be reallocated to school districts in categorical block grants. This would result in 100% cut for Arts Work grant funds from the CA Dept. of Education.
PLEASE NOTE: The Arts Work grant program, or "Local Arts Education Grant Program" as it is known by your legislators, is funded by Prop 98 funds. This program should not be confused with the CAC/CDE Local Arts Education Partnership Program which is funded by the sale of arts license plates.
To learn more about the impact of Arts Work grants click here.
ACTION REQUESTED: Please send a letter to or fax Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell and copy Deputy Director of Curriculum and Instruction Sue Stickel (same address as O'Connell, see below), and your legislators with the following message:
MESSAGE TO O'CONNELL AND LEGISLATORS:
- We understand that the California Department of Education must make some incredibly difficult choices. We appreciate the need to cut costs.
- The visual and performing arts are an essential element of standards-based reform efforts.
- With little sustainable support from district budgets, the Arts Work grants are a primary source of support for arts programs.
- They have had enormous impact since 1999. (Be specific about impact in your school/district/community.)
- Without them, we will return to a time of scattershot programs that are not aligned to standards.
- With respect, we ask that you maintain the integrity of the Arts Work grant program. "Restore the Arts Work Visual and Performing Arts grant program as a separate budget item to be administered by CDE-VAPA. Please do not include these funds within the block grants to school districts."
Jack O'Connell
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Office of the State Superintendent
1430 N St., 5th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
FAX 916-319-0111
To find your local legislator, go to Leg Info and enter your zip code.
(2) The Governor's proposed budget reduces the California Arts Council (CAC) assistance to local programs by 50%. The net effect would reduce grant funding from $16 million to 8 million, down from $29 million just two years ago. Arts education programs would be reduced from $10 million two years ago to $2-3 million.
ACTION REQUESTED: Please send a letter to your legislators with the following message:
MESSAGE:
- The CAC and the arts are part of the solution, not the problem. The arts produce economic activity and income for the state.
- The arts are a $16.75 billion a year economic engine, accounting for more than 400,000 jobs and contributing over $800 million to the state treasury in the form of fees and sales and income taxes.
- One out of every four dollars spent by tourists is arts-related.
- The CAC's arts education programs are vital to the education of a future generation that will be competitive in a global economy.
- With respect, please reduce the proposed 50% funding cut to the CAC's grant programs.
To find your local legislator, go to Leg Info and enter your zip code.
Send your comments or questions to [email protected]