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Legislative Action Center |
Gov. Quinn Proposes Flat Arts Funding in FY10 Budget In his proposed budget for FY10, Governor Pat Quinn suggests that the State of Illinois fund the arts at essentially the same level as last year. The governor unveiled his budget on March 18, 2009. Governor Quinn also recommends placing a 3 percent spending reserve on the Illinois Arts Council, our state arts agency. If the Illinois General Assembly enacts the governor’s proposed budget, the Illinois Arts Council will receive $15.3 million in state funding in FY10. To protect jobs in the creative sector, the Illinois Arts Alliance urges the Illinois General Assembly to increase arts funding to $24 million in FY10. $24 million represents less than one tenth of one percent of the total state budget, but this important funding will preserve jobs, generate tax revenue, and stimulate local economies through tourism.
As an Illinois resident, you have the power to remind decision-makers that the arts are a leading industry in Illinois that contribute to our economy and workforce. Investing in the arts creates local jobs, attracts talent and new investments, and sharpens our state's competitive edge and international reputation.
State funding for the Illinois Arts Council declined slowly but steadily from a high of $21.9 million in FY00 to $19.7 million in FY07. In FY08, the Illinois Arts Council sustained a $4.5 million cut when Governor Rod Blagojevich slashed state arts funding to $15.2 million – a 23 percent reduction. 36 percent of arts organizations plan to reduce or eliminate employee positions as a result of these reductions and the economic downturn, according to a survey by the Illinois Arts Alliance and Illinois Arts Council. These organizations employ performers and curators as well as accountants, designers, plumbers, engineers, and union workers. Nationally, the nonprofit creative sector supports more full-time jobs than there are public safety officers or lawyers.
Illinois Arts Alliance/Foundation |
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