On Call: Diana Cherryholmes, Elaine Giguere, Megan
Koenig, Celeste Lawson, Sarah Lentini, Ginnie Lupi, Hilary Oak, Kay Stamer,
Caroline Thompson: Judy Weiner, Jenifer
Lew, Martha Strodel.
Judy outlined topics to be discussed:
1) 09/10 budget
2) local meetings/phone calls
3) proposed theater ticket tax
4) Coburn amendment and DC advocacy
5) Another Mini- Arts Day
Conversation started with a review of Arts Day. Good attendance of 350-400, excellent joint
committee meeting, great buttons (designed by Jen); lots of educating of local
legislators. Unfortunately, while arts
people were still giving testimony at the Economic Development budget
hearing, the vote was taken and passed on the Deficit
Reduction Plan, including the $7 million cut to NYSCA for 08/09. Jen has been working closely with Senator
Serrano's and Assemblyman Englebright's offices to put all the Arts Day
testimonials, YouTube videos online on our website. Our online
database of 19,000 is of interest to both legislators.
Judy and Jen, Roni Claypool and Steve Ceurvorst, with
Tom Chapin and Susanne Vega met with Speaker Silver and had a lengthy meeting
with Assemblyman Englebright discussing strategies. During meetings with legislators in Albany, the
day after Arts Day, many reacted with shock and dismay: a) that the $7 million
cut went through, b) and that $315 million in spending cuts in the DRP included cuts to state agencies of $135
million and of these cuts, the cut to NYSCA represented more than 5% - a huge hit. There was discussion of the Federal Economic Stimulus
Plan (funds coming to the State) supporting the NYSCA budget. A dependable source suggested that $8-$12
billion may be coming to NYS.
WashingtonThere was uncertainty if the Coburn amendment (passed
by the Senate) would also eliminate the $50 million proposed for the NEA
economic stimulus proposal. The federal
stimulus plan goes into conference and negotiations before final vote. Senator Schumer voted for the Senate amendment
(against the arts); Senator Gillibrand voted against the bill. Please send letters to our Senators
expressing your thoughts on this…as per the email you received yesterday from
NYS ARTS. Judy, Diana and Celeste will
be going to
for AFTA's arts advocacy day.
Celeste suggested that the only way to get increased
support for NYSCA was by direct conversations with the Governor. Is this the role of the NYSCA Chair? Kitty
and Dick Schwartz filled this role in the past. Kay suggested the question be
asked of Heather on the next Cultural Blueprints conference call.( not scheduled at
this time.)
AlbanyUnionGinnie suggested we partner with other
organizations/agencies that have Governor Patterson's ear and let them help
take our message to the Governor. (examples;
the Business Council, tourism entities).
PBS has been down in
weekly to meet on proposed cuts to their budgets - the state mandates their
services. Celeste knows colleges and
universities in her area have the Governor's ear, and they are working hard and
fast to eliminate 09/10 budget cuts and stressing the real costs of
education. Judy has developed partnerships
with the Local 802 (Musicians' in NYC)
the Grammy people. Judy will meet with
Ginnie, Celeste and Caroline to explore these partnerships.
Our 09/10 ask?
After some discussion, it was decided to ask for restoration to the
08/09 arts appropriation of $48.5 million, develop a united message;
partner to get to the Governor's office; and work with Serrano's and Englebright's
office before a Mini-Arts Day in March.
We'll watch what's going on with the Federal Economic Stimulus Plan to
inform our platform and select a March date when we have our points together.
The proposed theater ticket tax will hit presenting
groups statewide, and could increase to 8 – 10% if local governments piggyback
on this tax. Judy will be working with the
Broadway League on a platform protesting
this tax.
Plan to visit and call your legislators at home during
the week of February 15th while they're in their home districts.
Submitted by Martha Strodel
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