Erie County Legislature Proposes Permanent 3% Funding for the Arts
In a decade which has been devastating nationally in terms of funding for the fine arts, new legislation has been proposed in the Erie County Legislature to permanently set aside 3% of Erie County tax dollars "for the purpose of promoting the arts and cultural resources of Erie County through contracting with nonprofit organizations for the support and maintenance of zoos, theaters, orchestras, galleries, museums, and other similar entities."
To answer the first question on most lips, this isn't a new tax, or diversion of funding or increased spending of any kind. In fact, it's the same amount of money that Erie County devotes to the arts each year, roughly $5.6 million. The difference? The amount given to major arts non-profits would be permanently set aside for this purpose, instead of being subject to the vagaries of the annual budget politicking.
Submitted by Joel Giambra, Erie County Executive on May 29, 2007, the law's intention is to assist cultural institutions by allowing providing baseline funding so that they are able to focus their resources on actually providing the cultural services they are chartered to offer. With funding cut to a non-survivable level, some groups report they are spending up 40% of their time figuring how they are going to pay the bills.
According to support documentation provided by the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, these arts institutions generate $263 million dollars worth of economic impact to the area, and attract two million visitors a year – a greater attendance level than the Bills, Sabres, and Bisons combined. Eighty-four percent of the nation's largest cities provide some form of dedicated support for the arts, and an investment of this scale provides a reasonable return for county residents, especially those holding one of the 4,000 jobs in the field.
In reviewing a report from the National Endowment for the Arts comparing International Data on Government Spending on the Arts, the US had the highest per capita Gross Domestic Product, yet the lowest per capita government arts spending – only about $6 per person in the base year 1995. Germany, by contrast, spent $85 per person. While this is an overly-simplified view of a complex issue, this fact serves to illustrate that dedicated government funding is generally standard in industrialized societies, and generally at a much higher level than what is being sought by the Erie County Legislature.
If you are in support of this funding, the best way to show it is to send a *hand-written* letter to your legislator. The suggested document from the Historical Society is attached below, and needs to be sent within the week. Not sure what district you're in? Call 858-7500 for information. (That fact that district information is not readily available but needs to be looked up in an annually updated book came as another shock to me, but that's a different post for a different channel).
Dear _____, I strongly support the critical issue of dedicated public funding for Arts and Culture in Erie County. Eighty-four percent of the nation's largest cities provide a form of dedicated support for their cultural organizations; we must do the same! A diverse cultural community is pivotal to this region's recruitment and retention of highly skilled employees; to the attraction of faculty and students from around the world; tomaintaining successful business in the hospitality sector; and to raising our collective spirits and pride in Western New York.
The completion of the study, "Sustaining Arts and Culture in Buffalo Niagara" by the Institute for Local Governance and Regional Growth makes it crystal clear what big business Arts and Culture is. The Report's findings indicate that Buffalo Niagara's cultural institutions: -- Support nearly 4,000 jobs -- Generate $264 million of economic impact -- Attract two million visitors a year - an attendance level greater than the Bills, Sabres and Bisons combined. -- Generate more earned revenue as a proportion of total revenue than the national average. -- Return $9.65 for every dollar contributed by public and private donors. -- Generate $5 million in annual sales tax revenue for Erie County. We have seen firsthand the turmoil that the uncertainty surrounding Erie County support has caused in recent years - loss of key leadership and staff, curtailment of hours and programming, defection of donors, loss of momentum, and the impossibility of long-term planning. I ask you to formally dedicate 3% of the property tax for Arts and Cultural funding. It is consistent with what many other enlightened and vibrant communities do, would cost the County nothing additional and makes significant economic sense when weighed against the value of these institutions to the area. Please lead and we will continue to do our part to support the institutions as well.
Sincerely,
(undersigned)
Erie County Districts, Legislators, addresses, and e-mails
1. Daniel Kozub, 609 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218, kozubd@erie.gov
2. Timothy Kennedy, 1928 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220, ErieCoDistrict2@hotmail.com
3. Barbara Miller-Williams, 427 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14204, bmw@erie.gov
4. Michael Ranzenhofer, 8860 Main Street, Suite 201A, Williamsville, NY 14221, ranzenhofer@erie.gov
5. Kathy Konst, 41 Central Avenue, Lancaster, NY 14086, konstk@erie.gov
6. Maria Whyte, 286 Lafayette Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14213, whytem@erie.gov
7. Betty Jean Grant, 790 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215, whytem@erie.gov
8. Thomas Mazur, 1214Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY 14227, mazurt2@erie.gov
9. Cynthia Locklear, 12 School Street (Upper), West Seneca, NY 14224, locklear@erie.gov
10. Michelle lannello, 92 Franklin Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo NY, 14202, iannello@erie.gov
11. Lynn Marinelli, 1701 Hertel Avenue – Lower, Buffalo NY, 14216, mannelli@erie.gov
12. Robert Reynolds, 3 Buffalo Street, Hamburg, NY 14075, reynolds@erie.gov
13. John Mills, 431 Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14052, jmills13@erie.gov
14. Thomas Loughran, 7 Bernhardt Drive, Amherst, NY 14226, loughran@erie.gov
15. Barry Weinstein, 5500 Main Street, Suite 204B, Williamsville, NY 14221, drbarry15@erie.gov
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Comment Options
al-alo
is 3% some arbitrary number? or does that actually correspond with the financial needs of the culturals? how does this money get divided up? are there incentives built in to promote better use of these grants? are the culturals audited to ensure good stewardship or resources? can the money be denied if an institution creates an exhibit the county doesnt like (ie, congress v. the Smithsonian over the Enola gay exhibit - or say they sell off part of their collection)?
If in fact, the money has to applied for (and therefore can possible be denied), it does not garuntee any real financial stability for these institutions. true funding stability would provide for out year funding so long term planning would be possible. that is assuming that 3% is enough money for all the county's cultural institutions.
its certainly a feel good measure, that is probably necessary, but there are a whole lot of questions that should be dealt with prior to approval.
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RonR
I like the concept of locking in the 3%. I hope that they put an ROI index on who gets the funds. While they are saying that this will prevent politicking, without a CLEAR plan on how the money gets spent, this will be just another example of a patronage system in Buffalo. Instead of trading contracts and jobs for votes, politicians would trade funding for projects based on support and votes. A simple index of potential return to determine funding would make it clean and simple.
The last thing I want to see is funding for the Buffalo Museum of Science be shortchanged because it is on the East side and funding for projects the Buffalo Zoo and Albright-Knox be increased simply because of the location and voters who live near each.
The last thing Buffalo needs is to give funding power to the "elite" class on how they feel the money should be spent.
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zenfur
3% should be a dedicated minimum for sure. But I wouldn't like to be capped at 3%.
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SBUBufBoy
Just an FYI, Gabrielle, if you go to http://www.erie.gov/legislature/districts.asp# you can click on an interactive map to figure out in which district you reside.
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Matthewjohnp
In the past and even during the period of financial crisis a very small group of cultural organizations received the vast majority of the funding whether they needed it or not.
Three percent (3%) across the board may not be the smartest way to go. How would you feel if that $5,000,000 + grew to $50,000,000+? This is exactly what happened to the tax on gasoline, and this is a tax being imposed on us whether we wish to view it that way or not.
I would prefer a specific dollar amount set aside at each budget cycle. Call me old fashion; I also prefer taxation with representation. I would also like to see some sort of county wide cultural advisory board established that improves on the previous CRAB board and yet includes a more realistic representation of our cultural organizations and the communities they serve. I would also like to propose that any cultural organization that is sitting on $100,000,000 or more be excluded from these designated funds.
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RonR
Matthew,
I can see your point but if the county budget grew 10 fold, something good would be going on. If the budget grew 10 fold, the city would most likely be over 2 million people. With this being the case, there would be a bigger need for more funding.
With the state of the city and county, the budget will not significantly grow like your gas example unless things are going well.
Furthermore, as long as a strong portion of the budget goes to "help" the less fortunate with socialist programs, I see no problem in keeping the 3% as a set marker for the arts. Before people make a big deal about taxation w/out representation on 3% of the budget, you should look into the other 97%.
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chris69
and what about funding for the convention center?
what about funding for a new 350k s
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sbrof
I think it is about time, we do short change the impact of the arts on our life.
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tinker
I am a strong supporter and patron of the arts. I always have been and consistently contribute to major and smaller galleries throughout the area. I do not believe that this is a solution to anything. Additional taxes and an increased tax burden, at a time when the entire county and city is in financial crisis is irresponsible, we should be looking at every dollar and every dime before allocating expenses instead of offering blanket disbursements without check or balance. Given the limited economic resources in WNY, I have a strong feeling that this will result in a higher tax rate in the near future, because there isn't a politician in WNY who is willing to take the political risk of reducing funding to any social program, the arts, the schools, public safety, etc. Their only answer is to increase taxes for the already overburdened taxpayers of WNY. This is an appeasement and a set-up for all of us.
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chris69
Ok maybe the convention center funding....and construction of a new convention and conference center were unrelated to the arts funding....except in the respect of funding.
But if you are speaking of the arts....then lets consider funding to restore some of our historical assets -Presidential Libraries (Fillmore & Cleveland) -Richardson -rebuilding the Buffalo Savings Bank -rebuilding the Larkin Administration Building -the Art Nuveau Hotel Buffalo
Has anyone checked out the Pan Am Expo? The pillard entrances, the lions on each side of the bridge in Delaware Park, the fountains, the entrance gates...these could all be resurrected....and richly add to the arts community and quality of life in our city.
Wouldnt that be better than another abstract sculputre...or piece of modern vomit
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MRodgers
Arts and Culturals are a significant contribution to the enhancement of any area and the possible influx of new residents and businesses. Businesses looking to relocate always look at the cultural amenties any area has to offer in their decisions.
Some of the little guys need a good shot in the arm - but - only after they prove due diligence in their current budgets and a solid sustainability plan. Others that are cornerstones for our community, such as the BPO, Shea's, etc., also need to be viewed under criteria such as this.
More and more, sustainability needs to be the first thought in embracing any organization's goals to assure money isn't just tossed out without a solid plan that, after the funding period is over, the organization or project can continue to serve the community and its needs.
There also needs to be an established plan of distribution so the smaller culturals have an opportunity to be part of the funding in an adequate manner.
Are they also contributing to the community with programs that add to the education components of the community at large?
What is their track record with past funding?
Who do they serve?
How do they give back?
Do they collaborate with other culturals to promote the arts in the region?
This funding needs to be set up as a grant-type process with a wide-range review panel to assure the monies are distributed widely and wisely. Maybe a partnership with the CFGB might be a good route.
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skybox
Mrogers wrote: "Businesses looking to relocate always look at the cultural amenties any area has to offer in their decisions."
I agree but this is pretty low on the list for larger companies, as it is just one quality of life factor to consider. Companies are more likely to look at a place that is economically advantageous both in the short term and the long run. They will look at a location that is attractive to their bottom line and to the well being of their employees and their families.
Buffalo is not attracting major corporations because the Buffalo School Board is holding the teachers hostage with unfair negotiation practices and an unjust pay freeze. I would much rather see the selfless public employees get what they deserve instead of keeping yet another small gallery alive on Allen Street. Teachers, Police Officers, Fire and Rescue personnel, and other public employees contribute a lot more to this community than any of the art galleries, concert halls or parks ever will.
Improve education and public services if you want to attract businesses, then let the businesses help to fund the arts.
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MRodgers
skybox, agreed. Unfortunately, the past years have shown that there is a minute ability of current businesses and corporations to donate or endow any monies to the arts and culturals in this area. To reinforce the need for attractions like these businesses do (wish I knew how to italicize) review all aspects of a community when deciding whether or not to locate in a particular metro area.
During the Conference of Mayors hearing on March 13, 2007, the first on arts funding before the before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior in 12 years, Providence Mayor David Cicilline testified “Arts programming is a critically important economic development tool for cities across the country, and here in Providence the arts and cultural scene has become the envy of the region with more arts organizations and artists per capita than any other city in New England.”
Cicilline called upon Congress to support full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts with a budget of $176 million. “Each year for the past twelve years, the United States Conference of Mayors has unanimously adopted policy resolutions on the arts, steadfastly calling for Congress to increase and fully restore NEA funding. Such an increase would help us build our communities, design our cities, and spur our economies. It would contribute enormously to the quality of life. It would encourage city councils, as well as foundations and corporations, to increase their own contributions. Hundreds of mayors around the nation have in turn promulgated these resolutions in their own cities.”
Your idea is a solid one, but without the recruitment, through needs of corporations, to provide new economic redevelopment, where can we begin? Our current roster of local businesses and corporations can provide so much. It's like the cycle of life. We have to regenerate in order to keep the flow fresh. Right now we're in a stagnant situation.
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