Nys Arts: SAVE THE ARTS IN MY COMMUNITY

SAVE THE ARTS -

....a new statewide campaign protesting the Governor's proposed cut to NYSCA 

Our message to our Legislators is SAVE THE ARTS in MY Community and REJECT the Governor's Proposed 40% Cut!  

Please demonstrate what the impact of a 40% cut will be in your community. Get onboard NOW. We have several suggestions for you, but please tailor your strategy to your community and programs.

SAVE THE ARTS starts MAY 20 and continues until we have a state budget.

Here are examples of what YOU can do:

 
* Send the SAVE THE ARTS logo to your constituent organizations and artists so they can take action. Of course, take action yourself.

* Download and Print out the SAVE THE ARTS IN MY COMMUNITY postcard . Ask your constituents to do the same.
Click image and use it on your website and social networking pages
Distribute the postcards at every performance, exhibition, class, reading, meeting, to your board and to your staff. Then mail the postcards to the appropriate legislators.

* Download and customize the press release so it describes what your organization will be doing to demonstrate the impact of the 40% cut.
* Post the SAVE THE ARTS logos to your facebook page.
* Facebook and Tweet the 40% cut message.
* Continue to send emails to your legislators and to the leadership in Albany, Assemblyman Silver and Senator Sampson.

We already have more than 16,000 emails in their inboxes. BUT we must keep up the pressure. So forward the email to everyone you know.

Our campaign strategies were developed in collaboration with your colleagues, NYS ARTS' Regional Captain Network. The Regional Captain in your area will answer questions and help coordinate media coverage in your region. Here is the quick overview of the budget numbers: The Governor's proposal slashes the NYSCA grants budget from $41.6 million to $25.2 million, making it the largest state agency cut. He also proposes a 12% cut to state operations, reducing it from $5.29 million to $4.84 million.

We are told that there is little or no movement on the budget in Albany, although we are already almost two months past the budget deadline.....and the state continues to operate on weekly continuing resolutions. If the legislature does not approve those weekly resolutions, then the state government grinds to a halt. Chaos reigns.