CAA board member Terence McFarland, executive director, LA Stage Alliance introduced Kathy and Lisa to 50 representatives from arts organizations throughout the Los Angeles region attended and were briefed on the history of California Arts Advocates, its mission to develop strategies and coordinate advocacy that strengthen arts and culture in California, its role as the State Captain representing California in the Americans for the Arts State Arts Action Network and it advocacy tools that include the California Arts Action Center (Capwiz), research data, legislative updates, action alerts, website and especially the work of its lobbyist Kathryn Lynch.
Kathy Lynch explained her role as lobbyist for California Arts Advocates providing more than 20 years experience building relationships with legislators, policy makers and the Governor's office. She also told attendees about the carefully planned negotiations among stakeholders, legislative leaders and the Governor's office that resulted in historic funding for arts education in California. She clarified the implementation of $500 million (estimated allocation $80 per student) for one-time block grants for arts/music/PE supplies and equipment and $105 million (estimated $17 - $18 per student) for ongoing arts and music education programs. Kathy also noted that the block grant concept appears to resonate with legislators and a growing trend among elected officials is to get state dollars directly to local communities.
During the question and answer session following the briefing, audience members asked for more information about block grants to local communities. Several attendees favored exploring further the idea of bringing state dollars to cities and counties for the purposes of funding the arts.
Kathy predicts that healthcare will be a big topic of discussion in the Legislature and recommended that arts organizations start thinking about how healthcare costs are affecting arts organizations and how the arts field can participate in this policy conversation.
She also explained that the Joint Legislative Committee for the Arts has not been able to hold hearings because Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez has not appointed assembly members to the committee. She suggested that the attendees call on Assembly Speaker Nunez (D-Los Angeles) to appoint members to the Joint Legislative Committee for the Arts as soon as possible. As soon as there is a full committee, CAA will request a hearing on Arts and Tourism and Arts and Social Services, two areas that the arts play a significant role.
Kathy, on CAA's behalf monitors the state budget funding for the California Arts Council (CAC) and arts education and legislation that impacts arts stakeholders. This includes meetings with legislators and the Governor's staff and giving testimony at committee hearings. For more information about recent legislation, please visit the CAA webpage 2006 Legislative Highlights.
recent conference in Alaska that the nation is watching the role of the California Arts Council and how its lack of funding is impacting arts organizations in the state. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the CAC thrive. Michael is a founding member of CAA.
CAA is moving forward to advocate for $1 per capita in state funding for all of the arts in California.
The state legislature has, twice, passed legislation authorizing $1 per capita but each time the bill was vetoed by the governor (Wilson 1998 and Davis 1999). A member of the audience asked, "what is the strategy for arts stakeholders this legislative session?" At this time, with the election coming up that promises to bring forty "new" Assembly and Senate members to Sacramento, the strategy that lays the foundation for future success, is to:
1. Join California Arts Advocates to strengthen the arts message that CAA lobbyist, Kathy Lynch carries to legislators and policy makers at the State Capital.
2. Identify "arts friendly" candidates.
3. Vote on November 7 for "arts friendly" candidates.
4. Send a congratulatory letter to your newly elected Assembly Member and Senator with information about your arts organization and its impact on the community.
5. Call the district office of your Assembly Member and Senator and learn the name of the staff member assigned to arts issues. Introduce yourself to that staff member and begin a dialogue about the importance of your organization and how the arts impact your community.
6. Call the state capital office and learn the name of the staff member in Sacramento who is assigned to arts issues. Introduce yourself to that staff member and begin a dialogue about the importance of your organization and how the arts impact your community.
7. Add the name and contact information of the two arts staff members from the Assembly office and Senate office to your data base. Inform them about your events, programs, awards and contributions to the community.
Attendees were invited to submit answers to the following questions:
1. What arts policy (other than funding) would you like CAA to explore this legislative session?
2 Describe a new kind of funding stream for the California Arts Council that is not associated with the state budget or the Arts License Plate.
CAA board members and its lobbyist, Kathy meet every January with key legislators and the Governor's office and are planning now for those meetings in January 2007. Hearing thoughts and suggestions from the field helps to bring ideas and information from arts organizations to policy makers in Sacramento.
Special thanks to Danielle Brazell, general manager, Arts for LA and [Inside] The Ford for providing a venue and refreshments and bringing arts organizations together for the Arts Advocacy Forum. CAA appreciates the interest and support from the Los Angeles arts field.
CAA plans to present legislative briefings throughout the state. If your organization is interested in hosting an Advocacy Forum and Legislative Briefing or has questions and would like more information, please e-mail CAA at Advocacy@CaliforniaArtsAdvocates.org
CAA needs your membership to continue its work advocating on behalf of all arts stakeholders in California. CAA is in Sacramento every day advocating for the arts. Please join CAA today!
California Arts Advocates (CAA) was founded as a means of bringing together individuals, who believe in the importance and vitality of the Arts in California, to advocate for state funding and legislation
that benefits arts and culture throughout the state.
P.O. Box 601902, Sacramento, CA 95860-1902 I Advocacy@CaliforniaArtsAdvocates.org
