Urgent! 58% Proposed Cut to Arts Funding in CA!
The Governor's May revision of the 2024-25 California Budget significantly reduces funding for the California Arts Council (CAC) and eliminates the anticipated allocation for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (SB-1116, Portantino). The Governor proposes a $10 million cut to the CAC's Local Assistance Funding, representing over a 38% decrease from its $26 million allocation level. This base level has remained unchanged for seven years and has not kept pace with inflation. This proposal would reduce funding for small local arts organizations to the level of support provided in the 1989-1990 budget year, without adjusting for inflation. Additionally, the May revision includes a 7.95% reduction for nearly all state agencies. The removal of the $12.5 million intended for the Equitable Payroll Fund undermines five years of bipartisan legislative efforts to mitigate the pandemic's impact and rising payroll and operating costs on California's nonprofit performing arts organizations. Overall, these cuts amount to a 58.4% reduction in state arts funding meant to serve communities across California.
Use the below link from California for the Arts to let your representatives know that you oppose this budget cut!