Illinois members should Take Action!

There are rumors that the Illinois General Assembly will piece together a lump-sum budget and force Governor Quinn to make the tough choices on how the State spends money in FY2011.

Last year, a similar scenario unfolded and resulted in a 50 percent cut to the Illinois Arts Council.

There's a saying in Springfield, "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu."

We can't afford to cut the arts anymore!

Please take a moment today to contact Governor Quinn and our legislative leaders. Tell them to pass a responsible and comprehensive budget that protects our state's investment in the arts, humanities, and public broadcasting.

Please visit http://tinyurl.com/arts-last-chance (Arts Alliance Illinois) to send the form letter below.

As you negotiate a budget for fiscal year 2011, I urge you to remember and protect Illinois' investment in the arts, humanities, and public broadcasting.

Artists and cultural organizations across the state are reeling from deep and painful cuts to the Illinois Arts Council, the only state agency to have its budget slashed by 63 percent over the last three years. Illinois' investment in the arts has dropped from $19.4 million in FY07 to $7.5 million in FY10.

Compared to other states, cuts to the arts in Illinois represent one of the deepest reductions in the nation. The uncomfortable truth is that state funding for the arts in Illinois has plummeted to a near national low of just 60 cents per person.

Despite this, Illinois' modest investment in the arts -- now just 0.027 percent of the total budget -- is essential to our community, our economy, and our workforce. In Illinois, there are more than 23,000 creative enterprises that employ over 132,000 people. Investment in the arts creates jobs and attracts tourists, talent, and investment throughout the state.

As you shape the future of Illinois, I urge you to do all you can to fully fund the arts.

Thank you for your public service.