I'm saddened to report that the Alaska State Legislature did not have enough votes to override the Governor’s Line-Item Veto of all funding for the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA), and several other important state agencies and programs.
After serving the citizens of Alaska for 53 years, this state arts agency was forced to suspend all arts programs and grants and close its doors on July 15, 2019. Alaska has become the only state in the nation without a state arts agency.
However, there is still movement afoot for the state legislature to formally reconvene soon in order to restore funding to many of these important Alaska institutions. We still need your help in getting new letters to your state legislature—even if you’ve already sent previous emails.
Here’s the message:
Implore your state legislators to restore as much of ASCA's funding as possible into the capital budget and urge them to build the political majority to override any future veto of any restored funding.
Please take 2 minutes now to email your legislators to #SaveAlaskaArts!
What else can you do:
There are opportunities this week around the state for citizens to testify in public hearings about what the impact of these cuts will be on your lives and communities. Feel free to use talking points from our Why the Arts Matter in Alaska factsheet.
Please act quickly.