Senator Irma Clark-Coleman to Introduce Amendment to Restore MCACA Funding

Michigan's financial crisis has had a tremendous impact on the arts. The Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs has been hit hardest, with drastic reduction in funding.

The following has come from ArtServe Michigan. If you live in Michigan, please support this effort!

Senator Irma Clark-Coleman to Introduce Amendment to Restore MCACA Funding

ArtServe has learned that tomorrow, Wednesday, August 22nd, Senator Irma Clark-Coleman will be introducing an amendment to Senate Bill 231 to restore MCACA funding to $10.1 million.

The time to have your voice heard is now! The fight to restore MCACA’s funding will be over tomorrow. Please make sure to take a few minutes to contact your legislators to urge them to support Senator Clark-Coleman’s amendment before 10am tomorrow morning.

Your immediate response is needed to demand the Legislature fulfill its promise and restore arts and cultural funding for FY08 to $10.1 million.

So . . . if have not already done so, we are URGING you to take the following steps:

1) Contact your Legislators (call and email if possible) and let them know the importance you place on arts and culture in Michigan and remind them of the “intent language” they voted for in FY07 to restore MCACA’s funding to $10.1 million. Make sure to stress that we are NOT asking for an increase in funding, but for a restoration of funding.

For additional talking points please go to www.artservemichigan.org/advocacy, click on the “Invest in Michigan-Invest in the Arts” link and click on speaking points. To find your State Legislators go to http://capwiz.com/artsusa/mi

2) After you communicate this to your elected officials, contact 10 fellow supporters and ask them to do the same. It only takes a minute to look up your elected officials and their contact information. We must flood the legislative phone lines with our concerns. Your efforts are vital if we are to restore funding for the arts!

Trust that ArtServe will continue to work behind the scenes to advocate for a restoration of arts and cultural funding and will keep you up to date on all news regarding the budget process.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to call or e-mail Mike Latvis at 248-379-5897 or mike@artservemichigan.org