Urgent Action Alert: Support Arts Funding in CA - Support AB700

[stopbush]

Dear Friend of the Arts,

California currently ranks 50th in the USA in state support for the arts. In 2002, CA spent $32-million per annum on the arts. That was slashed to $1MM per annum a few years ago. CA now ranks behind Guam and Puerto Rico in per capita spending on the arts, spending an embarrassingly low $.03 per capita on the arts per annum.

The "Creative Industries & Revitalization Act" (AB700) seeks to remedy this situation by earmarking 20% of sales tax gathered at arts-servicing venues (like Aaron Brothers and Michael's Stores) and directs those funds to be spent on the arts. This initiative would generate $20-30MM per year in revenue, restoring arts funding in CA to pre-2003 levels.

THIS INITIATIVE DOES NOT RAISE TAXES! It simply redirects already collected taxes from the general fund to fund the arts.

(For complete information on AB700, see here: http://www.californiaartsadvocates.org/AB700.html )

The bill is widely supported by arts organizations, communities and cities statewide, but is being opposed by Republicans in the Legislature who are not breaking ranks from a monolithic anti-General Fund appropriations philosophy based on their belief the State is “broke.” If you live in CA and support the arts, it's time to take action! You can help by sending an e-mail to your representative urging their support for this important bill!

Add your support to AB700. Here is a link to the California Arts Advocates site that finds your legislator, addresses the email, and fills-in sample copy, that can make it easy for you to contact him or her. http://www.californiaartsadvocates.org/AB700.html Go to the Red, White & Blue Box & enter your home or office zip code. Then follow the instructions.

THE LEGISLATURE IS MEETING THIS MONDAY (4/27/9) IN SACRAMENTO TO DISCUSS THIS BILL! Arts advocates and community leaders will be testifying in support of AB700. YOUR support will help them show that Californians want the arts to succeed in our state. Every dollar spent on the arts generates an additional $1.85 to $4 in ancillary revenue! The arts generate one of the highest returns on investment imaginable.

Thanks so much for your interest and ACTION!