Save the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund!
The Governor’s May Revision of the state budget proposes pulling the funds for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF).
- This proposal would cancel funding for the applications currently under review. If the funds are pulled now, all of that work and money spent by both the state and applicants is just wasted. The program received such an overwhelming response that it was oversubscribed within the first 24 hours.
- This comes with a series of devastating funding cancellations from the NEH, NEA and over $70 M in cuts to California arts funding since 2023. Performing arts organizations around the state are desperately clinging to the hope of these funds, and we will lose more organizations if they don’t come through.
- The $11.5 M is a modest but impactful investment, directly aimed at keeping Californians employed and preserving small performing arts organizations. This program is over five years in the making with overwhelming support in the legislature.
We have to fight this. This is not a done deal.
CA Arts Advocates has been working this week in partnership with Actors' Equity and our lobbyists to urge key leadership in the legislature to reject this proposal and save the PAEPF. You can add power to our lobbying efforts.
We need your help -
Three actions you can take today:
#1 - ADD YOUR ORGANIZATION TO THE COALITION SIGN ON LETTER
We will be resubmitting this Coalition Letter next week to lawmakers and budget committees with a list of all the organizations opposed to the program cut.
Add your Organization to the letter by Monday, May 19th at 5pm
Just insert your logo as well as name and location in the google doc
#2 - CALL YOUR CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS
Call your legislator’s office and tell them directly how this will impact your organization or your community. Find Your Lawmakerto get contact info.
Call the Governor’s Office and let Governor Newsom know that this grab back of funds will hurt the economy and kill hundreds of small nonprofits performing arts organizations throughout the state – impacting local economies and communities. Phone: (916) 445-2841
#3 - SIGN UP TO BE ON-CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT IN SACRAMENTO
There are numerous budget hearings coming up and we need advocates at the Capitol telling their story. Sign up to be on-call for when we need advocates for public comment in the hearings.
SHARE THESE ACTIONS WITH YOUR NETWORK!
Keep the movement and momentum building by sharing these actions with your audience members, board of directors and colleagues. Success will depend on the number of people speaking up.
Advocates across the state are joining forces to fight this. Stay tuned for additional grassroots actions to come!
In advocacy,
Tracy Hudak
Director of Field Engagement & Advocacy
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