Arts Funding in SERIOUS Jeopardy

The situation is dire!

All reports are that Senate Bill 850 (which eliminates state funding for arts and culture and the Educational Imporvement Tax Credit (EITC) program) is back in consideration plus another $1.7 billion in cuts to other remaining appropriations. This proposal would abandon the Governor's recommendation for an increase in the personal income tax. The strongest possible message of support for state funding for arts and culture must be sent to your elected officials without delay.

- Attend the Rally in Harrisburg on Tuesday, July 14th. If at all possible, you need to come. The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council has chartered a bus and some seats still remain. Reserve your seat at http://www.proartstickets.org/events/view/369. If you plan on driving to Harrisburg on your own, please let us know so that we can provide you with all of the information about the rally and the legislative visits that will follow.

- Sign the petition to save the arts in Pennsylvania, if you have not done so already.

-Contact your legislators and let them know that you would like the state to include funding for arts and culture in the budget at http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/pa/state/main/?state=PA

- Heed the calls to action that you receive from us in the coming weeks.

If the budget in Senate Bill 850 is passed in the House we will lose the PCA, grants to arts and cultural institutions, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and much of the outstanding arts and culture that they bring to residents of Pennsylvania. As a result, we will lose jobs, tax revenue, tourism dollars, and a whole lot more.

For more information or ideas on ways that you can assist in efforts to save funding for arts and culture visit out website or contact rfreytag@pittsburghartscouncil.org.