Budget Enters Conference Committee – $250,000 at Risk
$615,000 Increase in Senate Version, $865,000 in House
The House and Senate wrapped up their budget work (and the legislative year) on May 9. Each chamber has a different version of the budget, including their levels of arts funding. The House version includes an $865,000 increase, while the Senate version is $250,000 less ($615,000).
Since there are differences between the two budgets (not just arts funding), the budget now heads to Conference Committee – comprised of three members of the House and of the Senate – to work on one version that everyone agrees on.
Now is the time to contact your legislator and urge them to tell the Conference Committee to adopt arts funding levels of the House Version of the Budget ($865,000). Restoring the $250,000 will help grantees see increases in their awards, creating a larger impact for our communities.
The Conference Committee must have their work done by May 20, giving you only a few days to take action.
