Allied Arts of Yakima Blog

cutting (arts) to the bone - December 15, 2009 -

from the Dec 2009 Washington State Arts Commission eNews...

As required by law, the Governor presented a budget proposal last week that is balanced with existing revenues. This proposal includes a 15% cut to WSAC’s state funding for the biennium: a loss of $400,000 in our grants budget and $156,000 in agency administration and operations. This includes a 2% cut that we have already taken to this year's funding, and what amounts to a 28% reduction to state funding in Fiscal Year 2011.

Explained the Governor, “Together we are living through the hardest times for our state in the past 80 years…. Yet with a $2.6 billion shortfall, this financial plan eliminates or reduces many vital services, some to the bone.” - Governor's Letter to Washingtonians.

This is just the start of the budget process. The Governor is now writing another budget proposal, expected in January, that includes reductions and new revenue. The Legislature begins its deliberations in January, with a budget to be finalized in early spring.

The state’s budget crisis will impact WSAC’s programs and services: we must expect our funding will be reduced for the immediate future. In the meantime, I am learning what I can about the possibilities, and analyzing our options for moving forward. We’re also making sure we can clearly explain the public value of our work in these most difficult times.

Thank you for your support. Keep in touch,

Kris Tucker, Executive Director, Washington State Arts Commission

[Allied Arts has been funded, in part, by many grants from WSAC over the years. The cuts Kris refers to have already impacted our organization]

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