Effects of Executive, House and Senate Budget Proposals on OAC Funding

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Effects of Executive, House and Senate Budget Proposals on OAC Funding
by Jami Goldstein

We are all aware of the terrible fiscal situation the State of Ohio finds itself in. However, the Senate Finance Committee released its version of the 2010-2011 budget late last week and the news is not good. The action of the Senate Finance Committee, if unaltered, would reduce Ohio Arts Council grants by more than 35 percent from the final FY2009 figures, severely limiting the ability of the Ohio Arts Council to provide financial assistance to artists, arts organizations, schools and other entities engaged in cultural programming.

The final 2009 figures were calculated after the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) received a total of three budget cuts during FY2009 so that the state could address repeated budget shortfalls. There was a 10 percent cut to FY2008/2009 in April 2008, a 4.75 percent cut in September 2008 and a 5.75 percent reduction in spending and programs in December 2009. These budget cuts resulted in significant administrative cuts to the OAC, including a 22% reduction in arts council staff, and grant reductions to nearly all OAC program areas.

Please remember: The arts mean business for Ohio and contribute significantly to the education of our children!

For every $1 the OAC invests into communities, an additional $52 is generated through private, municipal and individual funds.
According to the study released in April 2009 by the Bowling Green Center for Regional Economic Development the creative industries in Ohio brings in more than $25 billion in revenue that contributes to the economic competitiveness and recovery for the State, support 231,000 jobs and generates $1.06 billion in state and local tax revenues.
The arts and arts education contribute to the kind of imaginative thinking, problem solving, skills and innovation that Ohio needs to be competitive in the 21st century global workforce.

Linked below is a chart showing the various budget cuts during FY2008/2009 and the Executive, House and Senate proposed FY2010/2011 budget versions. In addition there are two spreadsheet comparisons, one by House and one by Senate districts, listing approximate grants amounts for organizations and individuals for each of the proposed 2010/2011 budget versions--Executive, House and Senate as compared to current FY2009 grant amounts.

For additional resources and talking points visit the Making the Case page.

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