September 24, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding

We have a state budget. Within it you will find the allocation for the Arts
and Music Block Grant (6110-265-0001) at close to $109.7 million.  Like the
rest of education funding, this amount reflects a slight increase in
funding, less the normal Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Given the
deficits that the state is facing, this is an accomplishment, if not a
victory, that education funding has been sustained at current levels for the
coming year.
 
There was considerable concern aroused by legislative proposals during the
year  to increase district level spending flexibility over this and other
categorical funding. This language, though it was originally part of the
Governor’s budget proposal, is no longer in the state budget. District level
flexibility will remain at the same level that it was during previous years
at 10 percent.
 
We have heard reports of school districts withholding or reallocating the
arts education funding in anticipation of expanded flexibility. If that is
happening in your school district, that is in violation of the agreed upon
budget language. We encourage you to contact your local school board
representatives or district superintendent. Let them know that you believe
it is essential that the intent of these funds - to support quality arts
education in all schools - be honored in compliance with state law.  The
integrity of the block grant funds must be maintained for the purposes for
which they were intended, building on the progress we’ve made to enable
every child to receive quality arts education.
 
We will keep you posted as new information emerges from the budget
settlement. If you have questions, please contact Joe Landon, California Alliance for Arts Education Policy Director at [email protected].