Cutting the arts is not the solution to any budget crisis

I am so disappointed in Governor Patterson's revised Executive Budget Proposal for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Released yesterday, the new plan has proposed to cut the New York State Council of the Art's funding from $41.6 million to a dismal $25.2 million. The NYSCA is dedicated to preserving and expanding the arts in our community; they have proven time and time again to be vital to the survival of both large and small arts organizations. By cutting funding nearly in half to NYSCA one can only imagine how much our local arts organizations will inevitably suffer. Not to mention how much our economy will suffer!

By cutting a huge source of funding to the arts not only is Governor Patterson cutting down on our children's education, their chance to reach their greatest potential, and the opportunity to realize a passion, but he is also reducing jobs and sources of income in our communities. While the arts have indisputably suffered their fair share of financial blows they are still a strong economic engine and have given our local cities and our state as a whole an effervescent identity. I've said it before and I'll say it again-cutting the arts should never be an acceptable solution to any budget crisis.

It is time to voice your disapproval and work to ensure that your favorite arts organizations and arts organizations across our state will be saved through appropriate funding to the NYSCA. I urge you to contact your State Assembly Members and Senators now to advocate against this cut. Use this tool to find the appropriate contact.