posted on: Friday, September 25, 2009
As you may have heard, the proposed state budget eliminates the exemption from sales tax on arts and cultural activities. It is important that arts organizations AND their patrons, members, advocates contact our state legislators to express their opposition. Thanks to Tom New, WQLN and other public broadcasting stations, the website they used earlier this year,
http://www.wqln.org/artsadvocate/ has been adapted to address the issue of the state sales tax. The Citizens for the Arts website is also available at
http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/pa/state/main/?state=PA.
While your own words have more impact, please feel free to cut and paste any part of what I've written below. For more information, see the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance website at
http://www.philaculture.org/action. PLEASE WRITE OR CALL TODAY!
Sincerely,
Char Mashyna
Executive Director
ArtsErie
SAMPLE LETTER:
I'm concerned about the proposal to eliminate the sales tax exemption on a variety of arts, cultural and heritage performances and admission fees. In Erie County, our nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are struggling with the loss of Regional Asset Funding after only 2 years, the loss of City and County funding, the decline in our endowments and significantly lower funds raised by annual campaigns due to the economy. We already have a 3% tax on events in the City. With the sales tax, it would be 9%. That becomes a significant barrier to the arts for those on fixed or lower incomes, to students and to families.
It seems like the approach is to look at arts and cultural exhibits and performances as simply entertainment. Tax those who go. Yet, the arts are much more. They impact the quality of life in Erie County, are a valuable component in the development of our young people, and are a tool in the attraction and retention of workers to Erie. Not to mention the economic impact of the arts to the state which is estimated at $155 million.
Please eliminate this policy which unfairly singles out arts and culture by taxing museums, theaters and music events but not sports and movies. This burden should not be placed on the shoulders of the nonprofit arts community.
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