NEWS CENTER

Governor’s Proposed Biennial Budget Seriously Impacts the Arts

Governor Malloy introduced his proposed FY16-17 Budget on February 18, 2015

His proposal includes many cuts to the arts and humanities

Department of Economic Development Reductions:

• Reduce Funding for Various Arts/Cultural Line Items:  Reduces funding for various arts and cultural programs and reallocates the balance to the Arts Commission for competitive disbursement: FY 16 ($3,094,957) FY 17 ($3,094,957)
• Eliminate Funding for Various Grants:  Eliminates funding for various grants including Women’s Business Center, Dream It. Do It., OpSail, Schooner, Stamford Parade, Main Street Initiatives, Neighborhood Music School, Nutmeg Games, Litchfield Jazz Festival, Connecticut Invention Convention and New Haven Symphony: FY 16 ($1,373,378) FY 17 ($1,373,378)
• Annualize FY 2015 Rescissions: FY 16 ($704,579) FY 17 ($704,579)
• Reduce Funding for Statewide Marketing: FY 16 ($2,000,000) FY 17 ($2,000,000)
• Eliminate Funding for Tourism Districts: FY 16 ($1,513,924) FY 17 ($1,513,924)

DECD Reallocations:

• Reallocate Funding for Various Arts/Cultural Accounts to Arts Commission: $5,707,939 (from $1,707,939 in FY15)

State Library

• Eliminate Funding for Connecticut Humanities

Analysis courtesy of Connecticut Association of Non-profits. For their complete analysis, visit www.ctnonprofits.org

PUBLIC BUDGET HEARINGS

Appropriations Committee public hearing for the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) budget will be held on Monday, March 2^nd as follows:

-DECD Budget Presentation: 10:30 – 11:15 AM (LOB, Room 2C)

-Public Budget Hearings (Room 2C) 6:30 PM (Room 2C)