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April 30, 2008 Dear Friends in the Arts, Unprecedented reductions to the Illinois Arts Council's FY2008 budget have created serious challenges for many arts organizations in Illinois. As if that weren't bad enough, artists and arts organizations could be sailing into choppier waters as the economy continues to slow and concerns are renewed about shrinking charitable dollars for the arts. What can be done to protect our state's cultural resources? Thanks to the persistence and strength of arts advocates like you, our call to restore full funding for the Illinois Arts Council has been loud and clear. Since March 3, 2008, we have generated over 4,900 e-mails, calls, and letters to the Governor and General Assembly urging them to restore our state's investment in the arts, culture, and creativity. Your advocacy and leadership has been critical to our movement-building efforts so far, and as the budget process resumes in Springfield, we are counting on your continued activism to increase funding for the Illinois Arts Council to $24 million in the FY2009 state budget. The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 29, 2008. As the closed-door negotiations that conclude the budget process draw near, it is essential that we hold our state leaders accountable and convey a strong and persuasive message that the arts are central and indispensable to all Illinois communities and residents. Please tell state lawmakers TODAY how essential the arts are to you and your community.
Illinois Arts Alliance/Foundation |
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