BREAKING NEWS: Rep. Cushingberry Introduces Arts Funding Bill

BREAKING NEWS: Rep. Cushingberry Introduces Arts Funding Bill

Just a few moments ago, State Representative George Cushingberry, Jr. (D-Detroit) introduced House Bill 5604, a bill that would provide a sustainable funding stream for arts and cultural grants in Michigan.

Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Representative Cushingberry's bill will create a 2% tax on the admission charge to an entertainment event in the State of Michigan. The bill defines entertainment event as a zoo, live theater, museum, opera, professional sporting event, collegiate athletic event, concert, and a few others. There has been some great initial thought put into the drafting of this bill as nonprofits with an operating budget over $200,000 are included but only if they have received money from this fund within the previous 12 months.

While we are unsure as to how this bill will progress through the legislature, ArtServe is grateful to Chairman Cushingberry for his leadership. He clearly understands the importance of arts and cultural funding and its direct link to retaining and attracting jobs as well as attracting families and investment to Michigan's communities.

We look forward to working with Chairman Cushingberry, the Legislature and Governor Granholm in moving this bill forward. Stay tuned for further updates as well as advocacy alerts that will require your assistance.

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


To learn more about Michigan's arts advocacy movement, visit www.ArtServeMichigan.org