Actors' Equity Association and California Arts Advocates released the following statements regarding the fact that California lawmakers have reached a deal on the state budget.
It includes $11.5 million in arts funding for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF), a program dedicated to funding arts workers in small nonprofit arts organizations, including theatres, orchestras and dance organizations.
"The PAEPF is a lifeline for employers hiring Equity members across California," said Equity Western Regional Vice President Jeffrey Landman, "It can be the difference between a nonprofit theatre being able to pay a worker a living wage, and not. Funding this initiative means investing in arts organizations in communities throughout the state. Equity is so grateful to the legislators and Governor Newsom, who have worked closely with us to see this through into this budget."