New Hampshire Lawmakers Move to Slash State Arts Council Funding
Legislators rejected a $1 funding proposal but still plan deep cuts that could jeopardize federal grants and local arts programs.
The New York Times reports that lawmakers in New Hampshire are advancing a state budget that would cut funding for the State Council on the Arts to $150,000 annually, down from $1.4 million last year. The council supports theaters, museums, festivals, and community arts organizations throughout the state.
An earlier proposal from State Senator Tim Lang would have reduced the council’s budget to just $1. Following public criticism, the figure was raised to $150,000, alongside a new tax credit program encouraging private donations. If passed, the cuts would leave New Hampshire with the smallest state arts agency in the country and risk nearly $1 million in federal matching grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The council awarded over $1.5 million in grants last fiscal year, funding accessibility upgrades, technical improvements, and infrastructure projects at cultural institutions statewide. Some organizations have already lost federal grants due to uncertainty over state matching funds.
Governor Kelly Ayotte had originally proposed $1 million annually for the council in her $16 billion budget, but House Republicans pushed for significant spending reductions following a drop in revenue projections. The budget is expected to come to a vote in both chambers this week. While the governor can veto the full budget, she cannot veto specific line items.
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