The California state legislature has passed SB 104/AB 104 trailer bills, reallocating $11.5 million in unused arts funding for SB 1116, a measure introduced by Senator Anthony Portantino (D – Burbank), which creates a payroll fund to support small nonprofit performing arts organizations (SNPAOs).
The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature. Actors' Equity Association and coalition partners made the following statement when the bill first passed the Assembly:
“As the nonprofit live arts increasingly faces a crisis, I'm pleased to see that California has allocated funding that will help strengthen local economies and put people to work in the arts,” said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. “We've had many conversations with the Newsom administration and the legislature about how the arts can be a huge economic driver in communities across California. Today, it is clear that we were heard. We're especially grateful for the leadership of Senator Portantino who never gave up on fighting for us. We appreciate the support of Gov. Newsom, Senate Leader Atkins, Speaker Rivas and Senator Skinner and Assemblymember Ting, who were also critical in securing this funding. Tomorrow, we get back to work exploring how California can be a national leader in arts funding that puts workers first.”
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