Funding for the Arts - Illinois Arts Alliance Alert

Gov. Quinn Vetoes Bare-Bones Budget, Arts in Limbo

Without further action on the budget, state funding for the arts will be drastically reduced.
To protect the arts infrastructure in Illinois, it's going to take all of us working together.
...the State begins the fiscal year without a solid operating budget... Gov. Quinn Vetoes Bare-Bones Budget...Future of Arts Funding Uncertain...As things stand, state funding for the arts and arts education is in limbo.... If a state spending plan is not in place by July 15, analysts expect a meltdown of all state services...
Please act now and urge your elected officials to stand up for the arts and arts education by passing a responsible state budget.
To learn more contact: Illinois Arts Alliance
joy@artsalliance.org
312-855-3105 x14 
Here's what state legislators are saying:
From Senator Heather Steans (D-7-Chicago), who received 222 messages from arts advocates since May and voted for a sensible budget solution: "Arts funding offers jobs, after school programs, free public programs, and educational programs that benefit our community.  I am worried that cuts to these programs will worsen our economic situation by cutting jobs and lessen community safety by removing some of the few programs that provide youth in my district with something positive to do after school.  I will be fighting to keep these programs funded."
From Representative Naomi D. Jakobsson (D-103- Champaign), who received 55 messages from arts advocates since May and also supported a responsible budget solution: "The arts play an officials hear from the people they represent," Representative Jakobsson continued.  "There's no better way for us to understand community views and opinions than to hear directly from the people of the district."
The General Assembly is expected to return to Springfield on July 14.  As news on the state budget becomes available, the Arts Alliance will keep you informed.
In the meantime, please feel free to contact either
Ra Joy at 

joy@artsalliance.org
or 312-855-3105 x14 or
Scarlett Swerdlow at 

swerdlow@artsalliance.org 

or 312-855-3105 x13. 

courtesy: Illinois Arts Alliance | 203 N. Wabash Avenue | Suite 1920 | Chicago | IL | 60601