ArtServe Michigan: MCACA BUDGET FINALIZED

ArtServe Michigan: MCACA BUDGET FINALIZED

Friday, October 30th, Governor Granholm signed the General Government Appropriations Bill into law including $2.26 million in funding for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for Fiscal Year 2010. As I've stated in the past, although this represents a 71% decrease in funding from the FY 09 level of $7.9 million, it was truly a win to stay in this year's budget given drastic cuts throughout a state government facing a $2.8 billion deficit.

In addition to the cuts seen in the grant budget, the council staff was decreased from five full time employees (FTE) to two. However, the council and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) were able to work three FTE into the council staff for FY 2010, with the remaining two staffers of the council receiving positions elsewhere in the department.

One of the positives that came out of this budget was the wiping of the council boilerplate language - instructions as to how the council can disperse its appropriation. The legislature is allowing the council to reassess its programs given its new level of funding and report back to the legislature by 12/31/2009 with grants being distributed by April of 2010. Trust that we will be in contact with you as soon as the council has made a decision regarding its new grant programs and timeline.

Thank you again to those of you who continually contacted your elected officials over the past nine months. I strongly believe that without your efforts the state arts council would have disappeared from this year's budget.

We look forward to partnering with the MEDC, MCACA and its clients to leverage this funding to obtain local match support, retain and attract jobs and businesses, and contribute to the quality of life that attracts families and investment to Michigan's communities. In the end, it is through partnerships with state and legislative leaders, business, community and nonprofit leaders that we will be able to re-invent Michigan's economy to be a driving force for future generations.

As always, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact ArtServe Michigan's Director of Public Policy, Mike Latvis directly at 248-379-5897 or mike@artservemichigan.org.

More info available at www.artservemichigan.org