Action Center
ACTION ALERT
Arts and Music Block Grant Funding
Department of Education: Line Item 6110-265-0001
The debate within the Capitol is intensifying as the governor and legislators face difficult choices regarding budget cuts to deal with a $14 billion plus deficit. Legislation has been introduced which would erode protection of the ongoing arts education funding, supported by the Governor and the legislature for the past two years. The debate is focused for the moment on minimizing impact of the cuts by giving schools more flexibility in spending the state dollars they receive. In spite of these efforts, the Orange County Register (March 20, 2008) reported: “The governor said he also wants to give school districts more freedom in determining how to spend certain “categorical fund,” money tied to specific programs and services, but not at the expense of money earmarked for “vital” programs like music, the arts, and physical education.”
We need to send a strong message to support the Governor’s contention that funding for arts education must be protected. We are asking you to send a letter to your elected Assemblymember and Senator, as well as to the Governor, to let them know how important this funding is to you and to the children of this state.
We recognize that over 400 of you sent messages last month. We feel it is important during this critical time to continue to raise our concerns and our voices as the budget discussion evolves. We will continue to provide you with information as we learn more about the direction of negotiations. Thank you for your continued support for arts education.
Please take the time today to send this message to the Governor and your legislators in support of the visual and performing arts. Include your customized message, which describes how cuts to education funding and to the arts block grant funds will impact your students.