FCA Action Alert
Thursday, April 25, 2019
    

Goal for Now:   Protect and appreciate what the Florida Legislature currently recommends in its proposed Florida budget to restore its investments in the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs matching-grants' programs:

●   $2,980,028 to fully fund all 132 Culture Builds Florida Matching Grants

●  
$12,300,000 for  Cultural and Museum Matching Grants (would provide approximately 29% of each of the 478 recommended grant amounts)

●  
$5,970,000 for  Cultural Facilities Matching Grants (would fund first 18 on ranked list and partially fund #19)


Strategic Asks for Leadership Assistance Regarding the Appropriation for Cultural and Museum Grants:  After consulting with key politically experienced colleagues throughout the state, we all agree that our industry needs to focus now on protecting the recommended restoration appropriations listed above and not have them deleted or reduced.

     We're identifying individuals who have established, positive relationships with one or more of Florida's four legislative leaders.  We're asking these community leaders to communicate now to the legislative leaders they know.  The polite ask of legislative leadership is to please, if possible, bump up to a restored-higher level the Cultural and Museum Matching Grants' category (#3201) above the $12,300,000 current recommendation without reducing the other two DOS DCA matching-grant-category appropriation recommendations. AND show appreciation for their leadership throughout this year's session to restore Florida's investments in these matching-grants' programs.

    A higher-restored appropriation level would provide more than the approximate 29% grant amount that the current $12,300,000 recommended appropriation would fund for each of the 478 well-vetted, recommended matching grants under the Cultural and Museums Grants' category.

     Leadership did bump up the final appropriation in FY 2014-15 to $24,166,047 for the Cultural and Museum Matching Grants, which fully funded all them that year.


Relationships with Legislative Leadership?  If you, any of your board members, supporters, community leaders, or local policymakers have positive relationships with Senate President Galvano, Speaker Oliva, Senate Appropriations Chair Bradley, or House Appropriations Chair Cummings, please email us immediately at info@FLCA.net with the names and contacts of these individuals so we can follow up with them immediately and request their assistance.

Thank you for your cooperation and advocacy efforts.