Will the arts suffer under new Corbett budget?

    In the new budget outlined by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett on Tuesday, zoos and public broadcasting are hurt, and other arts and culture organizations either hold steady or see only modest cuts. What is your reaction to the proposal?

    Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett on Tuesday outlined his administration’s budget priorities for the coming year. The 2012-13 budget would be, in his words, “lean and demanding,” and he has pledged to raise no taxes. Zoos and public broadcasting are hurt, and other arts and culture organizations either hold steady or see only modest cuts.

    What do you think about Corbett’s proposedcuts to arts organizations? Tell us below.

    The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance reacted to the proposal, saying it has mixed results for the arts community.

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    Some highlights:

    Funding for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts holds steady at about $9 million, about $8 million of which goes to community arts grants.
    The Pennsylvania Historical and Museums Commission would see a reduction of 3.6% to its budget, including a 5% decrease in funding for state historic preservation. The organization’s museum assistance grants are eliminated for a third year running.
    Funding for the state’s zoos is eliminated completely, from $450,000 last year.
    Public television has been removed from consideration altogether.

    There are arguments to be made about the number of jobs the arts and culture community brings to the region, the amount of tax revenues generated by arts patrons, and the value of community programs created by arts organizations.

    However, there are also arguments to be made that, in the game of spending priorities the government is struggling with, the governor has little choice.

    It’s too simple to ask “How do you feel about arts cuts?” We all love our zoos and museums and such (don’t we?). The arts sector is always vulnerable in times like these. Too vulnerable?

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