Message from Ohio Citizens for the Arts
Between now and March 15, Governor Strickland and his new administration will be preparing his Executive Budget for the next biennium. During the campaign and afterward, the Governor has repeatedly talked about the value of the arts, especially with regard to economic development and education. This will be his first opportunity to put those beliefs into public policy.
The Ohio Arts Council submitted a budget last fall to the Taft Administration, under rules which prevented it from seeking a large increase. As advocates for the arts we are under no such restrictions. Governor Strickland has talked about how tight his first budget will be, nevertheless, given the loss of funding which the Ohio Arts Council has endured over the past eight years, the beginning of a reversal of that should start now. The Ohio Arts Council is a very small part of the expected $55 billion budget. A substantial increase for the Ohio Arts Council would be negligible in its effect on the overall state budget.
The arts constituency throughout the state must begin now to let the Governor know how important a substantial increase to the Ohio Arts Council's budget is to them. We should be particularly mindful of those in our constituency who have developed a personal relationship with the Governor and members of the Legislature. The Democrats, having been virtually shutout during the last 16 years in the Legislature, are now empowered both by their increased numbers and by the fact that a member of their party is Governor. We should ask these members to communicate to the Governor the urgent need for an increase in the Ohio Arts Council's budget.
Finally, the arts have always been non partisan. Our best years have been when the democrats and republicans have together supported us. During the elections most recently held, we hope that all of you let those running for office know the importance you attach to the arts. Now is the time to renew that message. For all of us, this is a time of communication and engagement to ensure that the arts are on the minds of our elected officials as they prepare and adopt the biennial budget.
We will continue to keep you informed throughout the budget process.
Ohio Citizens for the Arts
77 South High Street, 2nd floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108
donnacollins@ohiocitizensforthearts.org
This information is provided for your interest. Does not necessarily reflect the views of Gallery202, Partners in Art, Inc. or it's governing board.
The Ohio Arts Council submitted a budget last fall to the Taft Administration, under rules which prevented it from seeking a large increase. As advocates for the arts we are under no such restrictions. Governor Strickland has talked about how tight his first budget will be, nevertheless, given the loss of funding which the Ohio Arts Council has endured over the past eight years, the beginning of a reversal of that should start now. The Ohio Arts Council is a very small part of the expected $55 billion budget. A substantial increase for the Ohio Arts Council would be negligible in its effect on the overall state budget.
The arts constituency throughout the state must begin now to let the Governor know how important a substantial increase to the Ohio Arts Council's budget is to them. We should be particularly mindful of those in our constituency who have developed a personal relationship with the Governor and members of the Legislature. The Democrats, having been virtually shutout during the last 16 years in the Legislature, are now empowered both by their increased numbers and by the fact that a member of their party is Governor. We should ask these members to communicate to the Governor the urgent need for an increase in the Ohio Arts Council's budget.
Finally, the arts have always been non partisan. Our best years have been when the democrats and republicans have together supported us. During the elections most recently held, we hope that all of you let those running for office know the importance you attach to the arts. Now is the time to renew that message. For all of us, this is a time of communication and engagement to ensure that the arts are on the minds of our elected officials as they prepare and adopt the biennial budget.
We will continue to keep you informed throughout the budget process.
Ohio Citizens for the Arts
77 South High Street, 2nd floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108
donnacollins@ohiocitizensforthearts.org
This information is provided for your interest. Does not necessarily reflect the views of Gallery202, Partners in Art, Inc. or it's governing board.
Labels: arts advocacy
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