Arts Day Albany 2009

On Tuesday, February 3rd, representatives from Student Advocates for the Arts made their voices heard at Arts Day in Albany, New York. Along with artists and arts administrators across the state, SAA members spent a full day advocating for the state assembly and senate to reinstate the $7 million that Governor Paterson proposed cut from NYSCA. Unfortunately, the budget has passed with this cut, which will affect almost 600 arts organizations across New York.

But it’s not too late to take action! This $7 million can be reinstated in the 2009/2010 budget, and the arts can also receive a portion of the federal economic stimulus package that is coming to the state. NYSCA provides operating support, which means salaries. This cut will affect jobs if we don’t let our elected representatives know that these jobs are important and deserve the attention that every layoff gets.

Please contact your state senator/assemblymember. Take two minutes to send a quick email – you can help save a job! Special thanks to Marcie, Jonathan and Richard for their efforts and time in Albany on Tuesday. I’m looking forward to bringing a big SAA group to Arts Advocacy Day in Washington DC!

CLICK BELOW TO ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE AND FIND YOUR STATE SENATOR’S EMAIL ADDRESS!!
http://www.senate.state.ny.us/sdlookup.nsf/Public_search?OpenForm

CLICK BELOW TO ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE AND FIND YOUR STATE ASSEMBLYMEMBER’S EMAIL ADDRESS!!
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/