Broward cutting Arts 30%, other stuff 10%

[hootinholler]

I got this from my sister nad hope to get a little support for her...

The Broward County Commission is proposing nearly a 30% reduction to Cultural Grants in the 2010 Budget. In real dollars, this represents over a 1 Million Dollar decrease in funds to Broward County Cultural organizations and attractions

THIS AFFECTS EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY

*FREE children's and senior activities will be eliminated
*Performances & accessibility to cultural attractions will be cut
*Educational programs will be abolished
*Service hours for students and volunteer opportunities for seniors will be canceled
*Jobs will be lost
Cultural attractions and institutions will be close for good!

While the arts are facing a 30% reduction, most other County agencies are receiving a proposed 10% budget cut.

Contact your County Commissioner now and demand that the arts get “Their Fair Share”. Below is a sample letter for to send to the Commissioners along with the subject line to read “Our community has a lot to lose. Support the arts” All we are asking is that the reduction to the arts is inline with the other agencies. The Cultural Division is one of the smallest County divisions, yet is facing one of the biggest reductions.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear Commissioner

I am very concerned about the proposed cut to the county arts budget. Your past support of the Broward County Cultural Division has helped make the arts in Broward County a vibrant and dynamic community.

The proposed cut would have a detrimental effect on Broward County. Our arts organizations, from small to large, contribute greatly to the economy of our region.

Our community would see our vital cultural institutions forced to cut programs, operating hours, and in some cases close their doors permanently. Festivals would be canceled, students and seniors would miss out on valuable intern and volunteer experiences and many FREE programs offered to Kids, Seniors, and the “at need” would be eliminated. Tourists would be left with little to do and Broward would retreat to an image that all of us have fought hard to change.


I strongly urge you to vote to continue current support for the arts and community-based organizations.

Sincerely,
Name
Address

Broward County Commissioners

District 1: Commissioner Ilene Lieberman
[e-mail]
954-357-7001

District 2 Commissioner Kristin Jacobs
[e-mail]
954-357-7002

District 3 Mayor Stacy Ritter
[e-mail]
954-357-7003

District 4 Vice Mayor Ken Keechl
[e-mail]
954-357-7004

District 5 Commissioner Los Wexler
[e-mail]
954-357-7005

District 6 Commissioner Sue Gunzburger
[e-mail]
954-357-7006

District 7 Commissioner John E. Rodstrom, Jr.
[e-mail]
954-357-7007

District 8 Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin
[e-mail]
954-357-7008

District 9 Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion
[e-mail]

Thanks!
-Hoot