Governor Henry McMaster issued his budget vetoes earlier today (July 6). Forty-two vetoes were issued by the Governor, none of which included statewide arts funding. This locks in the $350,000 increase in General Funds for the South Carolina Arts Commission’s grants and other programs, and $100,000 increase in Education Improvement Act Partnership Funds for arts education which the Legislature adopted in June. This is the first time Gov. McMaster has not vetoed statewide arts funding since assuming the office.
Thanks to the hard work of advocates across the state, and bipartisan support from the Legislature who overwhelmingly supported both the overriding of last year’s veto and this year’s budget, the arts are seeing a $450,000 increase for FY2019 (July 2018 – June 2019).
New General Fund monies secured will go towards grant funding for arts organizations, professional development, and rural outreach. New arts education funding will go towards ABC Project site expansion, grants to education partners, and rural outreach.
Now is the time to say “Thank You” to your legislator! Without their support, these funding increases would not have happened. Click below to take action!
