This just in: Some good news for Georgia Council for the Arts by Catherine Fox

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This just in: Some good news for Georgia Council for the Arts

By Catherine Fox | Apr 20, 2010

Finally, some good news.

Susan Weiner, executive director of the Georgia Council for the Arts, reports that state Senator Jack Hill, the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, has announced that the committee is restoring the governor’s budget recommendation of $890,735 for the council, which will allow it to match its federal grant.

It’s not over yet, however. The measure is still subject to approval by a vote of the full Senate, probably in the next day or two, and, if there is a tie, the Conference Committee. All will be resolved, for good or ill, by the end of the legislative session on April 29.

3 Comments

Catherine Fox

1

This is heartening. Dealer Marcia wood received this missive from Chip Rogers,
Majority Leader, Georgia Senate:

“We are working to restore funding to the Council for the Arts. Specifically we seek to maximize all federal matching dollars. As the son of a former public school arts teacher, I fully support the expansion of the arts in Georgia.
Please call on me if I can assist you in any manner.”

20 Apr
Catherine Fox

2

David Swann suggests that vigilance is in order:
“Be aware that they can put $$ back into the budget today, to get them through this November’s election; and then reverse their decision come next Jan when they revisit the 2011 budget in mid-year. So get them to commit to KEEPING the $ in the budget all the way through the process– including next year’s deliberations!”

20 Apr
Sue Ross

3

This is a bittersweet victory which still includes a 20% cut for one of the most under-funded arts councils in the nation. Keep the pressure on the Governor and the legislature until the arts receive their proper share of state funding for all Georgians.

20 Apr

ArtsCriticATL.com

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