Legislative Update:
October 6, 2008
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Working for more funding for more art for more people.
1. Governor signs over-due budget and vetoes record number of bills.
On September 23 Governor Schwarzenegger signed a state 2008 -09 budget. Read more… The California Arts Council budget (line item 8260) is $5,568,000, including $1,114,000 from the state's General Fund. Read more….
The Governor also returned 415 bills, including AB 2471 Digital Arts Studio Partnership and Workforce, with the following message, "The historic delay in passing the 2008-2009 State Budget has forced me to prioritize the bills sent to my desk at the end of the year’s legislative session. Given the delay, I am only signing bills that are the highest priority for California. This bill does not meet that standard and I cannot sign it at this time." He signed 772 bills, including AB 2537 Public Works: Volunteers exemption, that will take effect January 1, 2009. Read more about the
fate of arts related bills at http://californiaartsadvocates.org/Bills.html.
2. Governor proclaims October 3 as California Arts Day and October is National Arts & Humanities Month.
Governor Schwarzenegger recognizes benefits of the arts as he proclaims O ctober 3, 2008 as California Arts Day. Read more… The United States Conference of Mayors urges mayors to build partnerships with their local arts agencies and other members of the arts and humanities community in their cities to proclaim, to participate in, and to celebrate the month of October as National Arts and Humanities Month. Read more… Americans for the Arts has created an arts event list of celebrations throughout the country during Arts and Humanities Month. Click here for google map and list.
3. Congress recesses until after election day.
After passing the historic $700 billion "rescue/bailout bill", both houses of Congress wrapped up legislative business and recessed until after the election. Anticipated tax extenders attached to the bill, included the IRA Charitable Rollover provision for eligible charitable contributions to be deducted in 2008 and 2009. Also last week, the Senate passed a continuing resolution that includes funding the NEA and other cultural programs at the current FY2008 level until March 2009, when a new Congress and new administration will again undertake the budget process.
4. October 20 is the last day to register to vote in the general election on November 4.
Make sure your vote is counted in this upcoming historic election on November 4. Click here to download a voter registration form to mail to the secretary of state. For information about candidates and the arts, please visit
Thank you to the members of California Arts Advocates who make our advocacy work in Sacramento possible.
