Pennsylvania arts funding may be cut back to $0.

Dear Members and Grantees,
Previously Governor Rendell had proposed $14 million for Grants to the Arts for next fiscal year.
As of today, May 4, 2009, Senators Corman, Pileggi and Scarnati introduced Senate Bill 850. It appears that it eliminates
ALL state funding for the arts. That includes PPA grants, Arts Operating and Arts Programming Grants, along with the Artist Residency program, fellowships, and other funding.
We can expect a vote on the bill in the next few days. We need to work hard to insure that this bill does not pass.
All of us who participate in the Arts know what state funding for the arts has meant to Northwest PA in the last decade. Imagine what it will be like with no state arts funding. The impact would be devastating to
our arts organizations who bring vitality and enrichment to so many and is the basis for the quality of life we enjoy. In addition, according to a study done in 2006, the nonprofit arts in Erie County alone had a $14.9 million economic impact.
You can be an advocate for the arts by doing a few simple things, beginning with forwarding this email to all board members, committee members, staff, patrons and vendors who rely on your business. Don't forget the restaurants that thrive when there is an arts event going on. Then...
Sign up for. http://www.citizensfortheartsinpa.org . Citizens for the Arts is working hard to organize the legislative advocacy process to support funding for the arts in Pennsylvania.
Contact your state representative and state senator in support of the Governor’s proposed budget for the arts, which was proposed at $14 million. You can find their contact information at the Citizens for the Arts website http://capwiz.com/artsusa/pa/state/main/?state=PA . (It's easy, all you need is your zip code and street address.) These legislators are on the Allocations and/or Leadership Committees in both the State House and the State Senate. These men and women will be working very hard to plan appropriately for Pennsylvania's future. It is important to thank them for their past support and to tell them what a difference the Arts makes in your communities.
Write or email a letter to the Editor of your local newspaper
Post this link on your website
Thank you in advance for acting promptly on this message.
Char Mashyna, Executive Director, ArtsErie