New York Budget Updates

**Governor Paterson’s Proposed Budget Cuts to NYSCA
November 11, 2008
On November 11th, Governor Paterson presented a $5.2 billion, two-year deficit reduction plan. According to a press release issued by the Governor, “the $2 billion cut for this current fiscal year will eliminate the State’s $1.5 billion current-year shortfall, protect against further declines in revenue in a volatile economic climate, and make a substantial down payment on next year’s deficit.” This proposal reflects a reduction of arts funding through NYSCA of $7 million that has not yet been awarded. While the $7 million in NYSCA grants haven’t been awarded, many have been approved. The effort fell apart this past Tuesday, November 18th, after the governor failed to persuade the Legislature to embrace his plan. Be on the lookout for updates!

**Mayor Bloomberg’s Proposed Budget Cuts to DCA
November 5, 2008
Under Mayor Bloomberg’s current plan to account for decreased revenues due to the economic downturn, the Department of Cultural Affairs budget will be reduced by 2.5 percent in the current fiscal year and by an additional 5 percent in fiscal 2010, beginning July 1, 2009.