Rhode Island: Arts Funding and Programs Saved in FY12

The final FY2012 Rhode Island state budget contains full reinstatement of all arts funding and programs. RI CFA was very active in the few days before the budget release. With your help through phone calls and emails, we were able to convince our legislative leaders the importance of these funds as an investment in jobs, the economy, education and our social fabric as a state. Great work!

While we know many legislators put in a word for the arts, we must recognize the leadership of a few in particular: Speaker Gordon Fox, House Finance Chairman Helio Melo, House Finance Education Sub-Committee Chair Frank Ferri, Senate Finance Education Chair Lou DiPalma and Senator Maryellen Goodwin.

PBN: Arts Groups Relieved to Avoid State Budget Cuts »

The Creative Sector’s Impact and Making the Case in 2011 »

Federal: Fighting Against the NEA/NEH Funding Cuts

Nationally, the FY2012 budget containing a $20 million cut to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) continues to be debated, with multiple amendments that propose further cuts and even total elimination. An amendment to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts by Rep. Huelskamp (KS) on behalf of the Republican Study Committee was soundly defeated. Another amendment, introduced by Rep. Walberg (MI), that attempted to cut an additional $10.6 million from the NEA was also defeated! A vote on an amendment by Rep. Broun (GA) that proposes an additional 10% cut to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is still pending at the time of this posting (July 29).

Debate on the Walberg amendment featured a number of passionate and effective speeches by members of the Congressional Arts Caucus against the amendment, including one by our very own David Cicilline.

Full U.S. House Considering Amendment to Further Cut NEA »

Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI):
Speaking Out Against Cuts to the Arts Part 1 (video)
Speaking Out Against Cuts to the Arts Part 2 (video)

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY):
Rep. Slaughter Supports the Arts (video)

Rhode Island in DC

Hundreds of advocates were in Washington, DC on April 5 to speak with the congressional membership about arts funding and cultural programs, as part of National Arts Advocacy Day. Rhode Island was well represented—at a Special White House Briefing, the National Nancy Hanks Lecture with Kevin Spacey, the presentation of a National Arts Award to Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and in meetings with the RI Congressional Delegation. Check out the highlights »