Feb. 14, 2012 - President's Budget Includes Increase for NEA

President Obama transmitted his FY 2013 Request to Congress yesterday with a proposed increase for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) of $8 million over last year’s final budget of $146 million.  The request would bring FY13 funding to $154 million.  According to the NEA website, “This figure also proposes an increast of $6.7 million for the NEA’s grantmaking over the FY 2012 enacted budget, of which $2.7 million would go specifically toward state arts agencies and regional arts organizations and $4 million would go directloy to not-for-profit arts organizations across the county.” More information can be found on the NEA website.

Feb. 9, 2012 U.S. Congress approves legislation about musical instruments

The U. S. Congress has approved the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  Included in the reauthorization is a provision that standardizes policies for the carry on of musical instruments throughout the airline industry.  The FAA reauthorization was passed by the House of Representatives on Friday, February 3 by a 248-169 vote. It subsequently passed the Senate on Monday, February 6, 75-20. The President is expected to sign the bill into law.

Action Alert - Contact Your Legislators in Support of Gov. Corbett's Recommendations for the Arts

On February 7, 2012 to a joint session of the PA General Assembly, Gov. Tom Corbett delived his budget address.  The $27.1 billion budget includes a recommendation of $8.179 million for the Pennsylvania council on the Arts (PCA) grants to arts organizations as well as $886,000 for the PCA’s administrative line item.  This funding recommendation is at the same level that was included in the final budget for FY 2011-12.

Governor Corbett continues to demonstrate his commitment to the arts with this budget.  As an arts advocate, it is important that you contact Gov. Corbett to tell him that you support this recommendation.  It is equally important for you to contact your legislators to ask them to include the Governor’s recommendations in their budget bill.  

We have a window of 7-10 days to make these contacts.  The fastest way to make contact is by sending an e-mail to your legislators and the Governor.  Citizens for the Arts in PA has created a template for your use on our Legislative Action Center.  We ask that you personalize the e-mail to reflect what is happening in your community or with your organization. We’re also asking you to forward our action alert to your board members, patrons, friends and family asking them to also contact their legislators in support of Gov. Corbett’s recommendations for the PCA.  We need to act on this fast.  Please send those e-mails today!

Feb. 7, 2012 - Governor Proposes Level Funding for the Arts

This morning, to a joint session of the PA General Assembly, Gov. Tom Corbett delivered his budget address.  The $27.1 billion budget includes an appropriation  of $8.179 million for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) grants to arts organizations as well as $886,000 for the PCA’s administrative line item.  This funding is at the same level as last year.

Governor Corbett continues to demonstrate his commitment to the arts with this budget.  Look to this newsletter as well as our website during the next few days for suggestions on next steps.

Feb. 6, 2012 - Governor Corbett To Address General Assembly on State Budget

Governor Tom Corbett will make his budget address to a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly tomorrow, February 6, at 11:30 AM.  His address will be broadcast by PCNTV.com.  Both the State Senate and the House have posted their budget hearing schedules online.  

Pennsylvania Senate Budget Hearing Schedule  - http://www.jakecorman.com/PDF/2012/budget-hearings-013012.pdf

Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Budget Hearing Schedule - http://www.pahousegop.com/budgethrgsked.aspx

Citizens for the Arts in PA will send out an advocacy alert as soon as we know what Gov. Corbett has recommended for arts funding.  Watch for our e-mail.