ArtServe: Gov. Snyder Recommends $2.58 million for State Arts Council (MCACA)

ARTSERVE MICHIGAN

Governor Snyder Recommends $2.58 million for MCACA

MCACA Budget

This morning Governor Rick Snyder released his Executive Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year’s 2012 and 2013. The Governor’s budget represents $1.5 billion in cuts and numerous other reforms.

In his detailed proposal, Governor Snyder recommends $2,580,300 for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for each of the two fiscal years. In addition to this, the Governor’s budget allows for the council to keep returned or unused grant dollars instead of turning those funds over to the General Fund as in years previous – a first.

The one issue not directly addressed in the budget is the administrative line for the two-person staff of the MCACA. ArtServe will work with the Governor, Legislature and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to ensure that administrative expenses are addressed in the final budget.

I think it goes without saying that we are happy to, once again, be considered a priority under the executive office. We look forward to working with Governor Snyder, the Legislature and the MEDC to continue to improve upon the state’s support for arts, culture and arts education.

While Governor Snyder’s support means a great deal to ArtServe and arts advocates, the budget process is just beginning. We will be in touch with you in the coming weeks to ask you to make your voices heard when the MCACA’s budget goes before the House and Senate General Government Appropriations Subcommittees.

NEA UPDATE

This morning the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Tim Walberg’s amendment to reduce Fiscal Year 2011 funding for the NEA by a total of $45 to $46 million.

Thank you very much to those advocates who contacted their members of Congress and Congressman Walberg directly. Know that this is not over. While we are not sure as to how the final bill will pan out we do know that it still has to go through the Senate and be signed by the President – who previously stated his desire to veto a spending package that drastically cuts so many important programs mid-stream.

STAY TUNED!

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

NOTE: This message was distributed earlier today via ArtServe Michigan's PUBLIC POLICY E-ALERTS. To receive e-alerts like this one directly to your email box as they develop in Lansing and Washington, please sign up here.