July 14, 2008

On Wednesday, July 9, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed a state budget into law after vetoing $1.4 billion in initiatives.

Thanks to the consistent efforts of arts advocates like you, we are proud to report that funding for the Illinois State Board of Education's Arts and Foreign Language Grant Program has been restored at $4 million!  This reinvestment in arts education is a significant victory for schools and school children throughout the state.

Please take a moment to thank the governor and General Assembly for acting to restore arts education funding.
 
While there is reason to celebrate on the arts education front, unfortunately funding for the Illinois Arts Council didn't fare as well.  As you know, the budget passed by the General Assembly on May 31 would have restored $3.5 million of the $4.5 million cut from Arts Council programs in FY08.  The governor's line-item vetoes on Wednesday prevented this increase from taking effect - essentially flat funding the Arts Council's depressed budget level from last year.  
 
The dust hasn't settled yet as lawmakers could still override the governor's cuts.  The legislature could also return to Springfield later to approve additional revenue.
 
We can and must restore our state's investment in the arts, humanities, and public broadcasting.  In order to achieve this goal, your continued activism and engagement is needed.  In the interim, should you have any thoughts, questions, or ideas for our advocacy campaign, we'd love to hear from you.