ARTSERVE MI: Senate Appropriations Testimony & Great Debates

ArtServe Michigan Public Policy Update: Senate Appropriations Testimony & Great Debates

ArtServe Testifies before Senate Subcommittee in Support of MCACA

This morning, Jennifer Goulet and Mike Latvis testified before the Senate Appropriations Economic Development Subcommittee in support of the grant budget of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

As you will see in the attached document , ArtServe is requesting that the Senate preserve funding at the Governor's requested and House approved level of $2.367 million and to add $400,000 for staff and administrative costs for three full-time employees. While in any other year an increase to pre-moratorium levels of $10 million would be requested, we feel that preserving funding and providing for staff and administrative costs is a key priority in such a tough fiscal year.

The subcommittee, Chaired by Senator Mark Jansen (R - Grand Rapids), will report its recommendations to the General Government Subcommittee before it releases its substitute to House Bill 5880 on May 13th. Trust that ArtServe will continue to work behind the scenes as well as directly with advocates who reside in each committee member's district to preserve funding for Fiscal Year 2011. Stay tuned to further updates as the legislature progresses through the budget process.

Great Debates - Constitutional Convention

Have you heard about a ballot proposal to hold a Constitutional Convention in 2011? Do you know what a Constitutional Convention is? Have you wondered why this would be beneficial or harmful?

Well, as part of ArtServe's sponsorship of the 2010 Great Debates, we are happy to provide you with the video at the link below that dives into the pros and cons of a constitutional convention in Michigan. The video is a bit lengthy, but features former Grand Rapids Mayor John Logie and Michigan Chamber VP Bob Labrant discussing the prospect of a constitutional convention.

www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/the-great-debates/

Stay tuned! As one of the sponsors for the 2010 Great Debates, ArtServe will have priority access to fifty targeted state House and Senate debates as well as three gubernatorial debates. As we've stated before, this is not only an opportunity to have arts, culture and arts education "at the table" but to provide you with information on the candidates that may represent you in state government.

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