Perry does not think Texas Arts important enough to fund.

[Melissa G]

The previous version of the state budget cut TCA (Texas Commission on the Arts 50%. Perry's version flatlines the agency.


AUSTIN, Texas —

snip

Gary Gibbs, executive director of the Texas Commission on the Arts, says the group's impact is statewide.

"Our support of arts organizations throughout the state benefits all communities and attracts business," according to Gibbs.

Dissolving the arts commission would have the greatest impact on small and rural communities, said Amy M. Barbee, executive director of the Texas Cultural Trust, which promotes the arts.

"Arts and culture industries generate $4.5 billion in taxable sales," said Barbee, referring to a study released Monday by the trust and paid for with federal stimulus funds. "That is a big return on investment."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/7419481.html

[northoftheborder]

1. The Texas Historical Commission is to be shut down....

....according to Perry's values. This state office is in charge of supervising all preservation projects of designated and historical buildings. It also has invaluable services to individuals who undertake the preservation and renovation of historic buildings. That is just the beginning of a long list of important services that NO OTHER office can undertake. It also works with and coordinates each county Historical Commission in Texas, and coordinates with the national Preservation Trust. I am "chapped" to say the least, as a retired professional in this field. There are so many more unnecessary programs to go after. I don't know for sure, but it is my hunch that Perry got crosswise with the HIst. Com. over the renovation and repair of the Governor's Mansion. It would not be out of character for him to hold a personal grudge and seek vengeance.

[Melissa G]

2. Yep, there was some serious friction and opposition to the mansion

renovation from the Historical folks. I'm sure there is payback in his decision.

Arts is also getting the Perry shaft. My spouse works in arts education which is getting hit from all sides. TCA is just the latest blow to artists and arts educators in Texas in an already down economy.

[sonias]

3. Showing his heartless slimy side

Yes I'm sure the Historical Commission is getting slapped precisely for the reason that Mrs Pissy Perry doesn't like to be reined in. :grr:

Sorry to hear about the cutbacks in the arts too. Hope your hubby can hang on to his chosen profession! :hug:

[BrightKnight]

5. I don't get politicizing the arts.

I have been involved with the arts and arts education in Texas since 1982. It is NOT a Partisan issue. There have always been people on all sides of the political spectrum. I have known people with various and sometimes passionate religious views. The arts community looks like the community. I have always seen it as a place to find common ground.

Corporate and individual funding is very often from right leaning sources.

[sonias]

6. I don't get it either, but I do believe that Perry can dole out payback

AAS Postcards from the Lege blog 2/8/11
Historical Commission cut: Payback or good government?

(snip)
EARLIER: News that Gov. Rick Perry will ask the Legislature today to indefinitely suspend funding for the Texas Historical Commission as part of a sweeping budget-reduction was raising eyebrows among lawmakers.

Reason: The historical agency was the one that successfully fought First Lady Anita Perry’s plan to build a controversial addition onto the Governor’s Mansion.

Under Perry’s plan, as reported by The Associated Press, funding for the historical commission — the state’s premier history agency — would be eliminated altogether, as would funding for the Texas Commission for the Arts.

Those two agencies were given over $100 million in the previous budget when bond proceeds and federal dollars are counted, according to the AP.

A number of lawmakers this morning are suggesting the cut is payback for the mansion flap.

:shrug:

[sonias]

4. Arts, historical agencies' proposed cuts draw backlash

Related Statesman story:

AAS 2/8/11
Arts, historical agencies' proposed cuts draw backlash
(snip)
"Dissolution of the TCA would have a ripple effect that would reach across the state, with the greatest impact on small and rural communities," said Amy M. Barbee , executive director of the Texas Cultural Trust, which promotes the importance of the arts. On Monday, the trust released a report that documents how five small- to medium-sized Texas cities have successfully leveraged their cultural arts and creative sectors.

"Arts and culture industries generate $4.5 billion in taxable sales," said Barbee, referring to the study that was released in cooperation with the arts agency and paid for by a federal stimulus grant. "That is a big return on investment."

The Historical Commission's budget for the current fiscal year is $100.15 million, and 20 percent comes from the general revenue fund.

Tere O'Connor of the Heritage Society of Austin said that the Historical Commission provides economic development support for communities. "Eliminating the agency that drives this economic engine would result in lower sales tax revenues, loss of both public and private sector jobs, increased demands on local preservation organizations, and irreversible loss of our cultural and historic heritage through unregulated demolitions."

[hobbit709]

7. Unless it puts money in his pocket he's against it.