Governor Nikki Haley is set to give presumably her last State of the State Address tonight at 7pm before she is confirmed by the US Senate as UN Ambassador and makes the move to Washington, DC.
Earlier today, the Governor’s office released her 2017-2018 Executive Budget which lays out her priorities in funding for the upcoming year.
In her FY2018 budget, Gov. Haley has recommended essentially level funding for the South Carolina Arts Commission [SCAC] (page 217 in the budget document). In the current fiscal year, that represents a little over $3.2 million in state funds, plus another $1.3 million in federal matching funds. The Governor’s Budget though does not reflect the request made by the SCAC for the upcoming fiscal year.
In their proposal to the Legislature for FY2018, the Arts Commission has requested an increase in recurring funds of $750,000 to support grant-making endeavors, targeting rural and underserved communities, and new professional development initiatives. Additionally, the agency is requesting a $500,000 increase in Education Improvement Act – Partnership Funds, to grow the reach of the Arts in Basic Curriculum Project, and to reach underserved students both inside and outside the classroom.
Click here to read the Agency’s full request.
We will have more on arts funding as the legislative session moves forward. To stay alert, be sure you are signed up for our newsletter, follow us on Facebook, and keep visiting our website to see the latest.
You can also follow other arts-related issues in the state legislature on “The Docket” section of our website.
