Today, Governor Henry McMaster issued his vetoes for the FY2020 state budget. For the second year in a row, he did not veto any statewide arts funding, securing a $615,000 increase approved by the Legislature in late May.
This is only the second time since 2003 that a sitting governor has not vetoed any statewide arts funding when an increase has been proposed. McMaster had requested level funding for the SC Arts Commission in his January Executive Budget proposal.
The $615,000 for the SC Arts Commission brings total per capita funding up to $0.69 per capita, up from $0.59. Funds will be used for grants to organizations, arts education initiatives, and also for rural outreach and professional development.
The SC Arts Commission released this statement: “As the arts flourish in South Carolina, so does demand for additional funding. Thanks to this increase, the S.C. Arts Commission will: better meet higher grant demand from arts organizations across the state, strengthen new approaches to arts development in rural counties, and support ever-increasing demand for arts in education grants and initiatives.”
While the Governor did issue other vetoes (including a $450,000 line item under the Arts Commission budget, but not directed to the agency), the Legislature is likely to not return until January to take the vetoes up for a vote. By not vetoing statewide arts funding, the $615,000 increase is secured for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019.
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