Governor Kasich Recommends More Funding for the Arts in Ohio
by Justin Nigro

Today Governor John Kasich recommended an increase in funding for the arts and culture in Ohio through the release of his state budget recommendations for fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

Governor Kasich's budget increases the Ohio Arts Council's General Revenue Fund (GRF) appropriations to $12.5 million in FY 2017, up from $11.3 million in FY 2015. The final figure reflects an increase to $12 million in FY 2016, a increase of 5.5% over the FY 2015 level, before reaching $12.5 million in FY 2017, a 4.2% increase over FY 2016.

Specifically, the budget proposes increasing the OAC's subsidy (i.e., grant-making) line item by 5.2% from FY 2015 ($9.7 million) to FY 2016 ($10.2 million) and by an additional 4.9% from FY 2016 ($10.2 million) to FY 2017 ($10.7 million).

"These are substantial investments that will have a positive impact on the grants awarded to the field, as well as our ability to engage, lead, and innovate through arts and culture in Ohio," said Donna S. Collins, OAC executive director.

The governor also proposes increasing the agency's administrative line by 7.4%, to $1.77 million in each year of the biennium, up from $1.6 million in FY 2015.

For more information, see the OAC's talking points on the Governor's budget by clicking here.

FISCAL YEAR	SUBSIDY	ADMINISTRATION	STATE GRF TOTAL	STATE GRF BIENNIAL TOTAL
2017*	$10,700,000	$1,772,050	$12,472,050
2016*	$10,200,000	$1,772,050	$11,972,050
				$24,444,100
2015	$9,700,000	$1,649,204	$11,349,204
2014	$9,700,000	$1,649,204	$11,349,204
				$22,698,408

*Note: Figures for FY 2016 and FY 2017 reflect the governor's recommendations.

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