Ronda Storms’ bill killing state arts funding remains alive with three weeks to go
April 13, 2009 at 7:44 am by Wayne GarciaIt is no surprise in tough economic times that state arts funding comes back in the crosshairs of legislators who like to ignore the economic impact of arts organizations and the less tangible impact of a creative community.
But this year’s attack is especially scary as it would zero funding for public art that is part of new government buildings. Behind the effort is Tampa Bay’s top right-winger, state Sen. Ronda Storms.
Lawmakers said supporting art – envisioned to spruce up staid government buildings – is no longer an option, despite pleas by some in the arts community.
“Do I pay for art instead of paying for care for an abused kid?” asked Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, author of the repeal, who said artists have ripped her as a “Philistine” and worse. “This is an example of fat. This is a luxury.”
Florida law requires that a fraction of the cost of every new state-funded building go toward art, a half-percent up to $100,000.
Since 1979, the state has spent more than $11.5 million for 1,448 pieces of art. Over the next two years, $665,000 worth of art was planned.
