The U.S. House passed President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment bill Wednesday, without any help from Republicans. The controversial measure passed through to the Senate with a vote of 244 to 188.
The $819 billion economic stimulus package will hit the Senate floor next week, and while Republicans will likely demand amendments, due to the 58-41 Democratic majority split, it's expected to pass through the Senate, and be signed by the President next month.
Tucked away in a dark corner of Obama's bill is a $50 million recovery fund for the National Endowment for the Arts. Though House Democrats approved the NEA funding, it is unclear whether or not the arts funding will be included in the Senate version of the bill. A House-Senate conference will resolve these issues, and the final version should make it to the Oval Office before the President's Day holiday, Feb. 13.
Republicans have spoken out against the NEA funding, citing the Democrat's habit of spending rather than cutting taxes. Democrats, and those in the industry, are touting the arts funding as an investment which will not only save jobs, but reiterate the importance of art in a country where many schools have been forced to cut out artistic programs.
Even the bright lights of Broadway are flickering as the recession tightens it's grip on the country. Many local theaters are also facing crippling budget cuts. Robert Cates, producing director of the Geffen Playhouse, told The L.A. Times the financial situation at the Westwood auditorium is "drastic." The Luna Playhouse in Glendale may close it's doors next month, as the Glendale News-Press reports attendance there has fallen dramatically- down about 80% in the past five months.
Even if the $50 million art rescue plan makes it to the Senate bill, it may not be enough to save small theaters like the Luna. Under the Recovery bill, California is slated to receive about $33 billion. That's only about four percent of the total $819 billion. If the National Endowment for the Arts does receive the money, it will be distributed across the country. Even if each state receives an equal portion of the fund, that's one million per state to be distributed among every non-profit theater, dance, and art group. The stimulus package text reveals the money would not be distributed evenly in any case.
"NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION
For an additional amount for “Grants and Administration”, $50,000,000,
to be distributed in direct grants to fund arts projects and activities
which preserve jobs in the non-profit arts sector threatened by declines
in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn:
Provided, That 40 percent of such funds shall be distributed to State
arts agencies and regional arts organizations in a manner similar to the
agency’s current practice and 60 percent of such funds shall be for compet-
itively selected arts projects and activities."-www.readthestimulus.org
Whether local companies receive any sort of bailout remains to be seen. For now, theaters like the Luna Playhouse will have to rely on donations and sympathetic landlords to keep their doors open.
The Senate will vote on Monday.
-Photo by UnlocktheVault via Flickr
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Artists, and by that I mean musicians, actors, visual artists, et al, have trained for their craft and support themselves thereby, just as auto workers or bridge builders or carpenters have. They have families to support and theaters have employees who are being laid off. Supporting these people is not pork - it's saving jobs and is a viable part of economic stimulus.
ReplyDeleteThe arts rule.
ReplyDeleteThe Endowment for the Arts is legitimate. These are people that work too. They entertain us in the down times.They work at their craft and supply the population with a product that they enjoy consuming.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the Arts support HUGE TAX bases in areas like LA, Phoenix, Seattle, New York. It shouldn't have to be hidden. The Arts are what people pay for and we advertise and People Magazine etc etc sells!! It is an economy boost when times are down!