Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposed 2006-07 state budget won't do anything to lift California out of last place among the 50 states in terms of arts funding (based on National Assembly of State Arts Agencies studies). But it does provide some hope for arts education.
After months of review, the governor recently revised his original budget to $131.1 billion. That breaks down to $101 billion in the general fund (an increase of 9.1 percent from the current fiscal year), which pays for most programs; $26.6 billion in special funds, such as those for transportation; and $3.5 billion in bonds.
A strong economy and stock market have produced an increase in tax revenue, about $7.5 billion more than was projected when the governor unveiled his original budget in January.
A spokeswoman for the California Arts Council said the overall state budget revision proposes an increase of $66 million in the Proposition 98 general fund to expand the arts and music block grants to a total of $166 million. (Passed by state voters in 1988, Proposition 98 called for a percentage of general fund money being spent on education.)
The $66 million will allow for expansion to high schools and increases the per pupil rate to $25, the spokeswoman said. These funds will be distributed to school districts, charter schools and county offices of education. The new money can also be used to hire additional staff, purchase materials, books, supplies and equipment.
The state budget revision also provides $250 million in the Proposition 98 general fund for the purchase of art and music equipment and supplies, and proposes $676,000 in general fund money for the California Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA).
Still, the budget does little for the arts outside the classroom.
“Supporters of over 10,000 nonprofit arts organizations who serve California residents and visitors were hoping the governor would add to the California Arts Council budget,” said Lisa Cullen Caretto, president and legislative chair of the California Arts Advocates. “(Alas) the governor's budget does little to assist the nonprofit arts community.”
For 2006-07, the California Arts Council expects to get $1.1 million in general fund money; $2.8 million in Arts License Plate funds; $965,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts; and $197,000 in reimbursements for programs the CAC administers. This year, the CAC figures were $1.1 million; $967,000; $961,000 and $197,000, respectively.
The last time the CAC had money to make grants to artists and arts organizations was during 2002-03, when its budget was $18.4 million. The next year, the budget was slashed to $1.9 million in the face of a multibillion-dollar statewide budget crisis. As a result, all former grant programs – primarily Youth Education in the Arts grants – were suspended.
Currently, the California Arts Council receives just 3 cents per capita from California's general fund. The state has been at the bottom of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies rankings for two years.
Preston Turegano: (619) 293-1357; preston.turegano@uniontrib.com
