Budget-writers estimate Oregon’s budget is $1.8 billion short of the money it needs to continue existing programs at current service levels.
The legislature’s Ways and Means Committee is taking a roadtrip, over the next two weeks, and traveling across Oregon to invite public comment on possible budget cuts and spending priorities.
We need advocates to participate in these public meetings!
This is an opportunity to articulate the value of the arts in your community, your local economy and your schools which are all supported through grants from the Oregon Arts Commission.
This is a chance to share the need for more community programming at your local library or community center–and the role Oregon Humanities continues to play to bring people together to foster understanding and strengthen our civic ties.
Show your appreciation for the rich history and heritage of our diverse state–preserved and celebrated by the Oregon Historical Society–and supported in communities through grants from the State Historic Preservation Office and the Heritage Commission to interpret history, preserve traditions and protect endangered places.
In difficult budget cycles there is always the potential for threats to the Oregon Cultural Trust. These public hearings can serve to remind legislators there is strong public support for the Trust, which serves to fund, stabilize and protect Oregon culture.
Please consider voicing your support at one of the following meetings:
Friday, Feb. 10, 2017
STATE BUDGET – PUBLIC TESTIMONY
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at:
Oregon State Capitol
Hearing Room F
900 Court Street NE
SALEM
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017
STATE BUDGET – PUBLIC TESTIMONY
12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at:
Portland Community College, Sylvania Campus
Amo DeBernardis College Center
12000 SW 49th Ave.
PORTLAND
Friday, Feb. 17, 2017
STATE BUDGET – PUBLIC TESTIMONY
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at:
Hermiston High School
Main Commons
600 S 1st Street
HERMISTON
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017
STATE BUDGET – PUBLIC TESTIMONY
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at:
Madras Performing Arts Center
412 SE Bluff Street
MADRAS
Friday, February 24, 2017
STATE BUDGET – PUBLIC TESTIMONY
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at:
Southern Oregon University
Stevenson Union, Rogue River Room
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
ASHLAND
Saturday, February 25, 2017
STATE BUDGET – PUBLIC TESTIMONY
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at:
Lane Community College
Forum (Building 17), Rooms 308-309
4000 E 30th Ave.
EUGENE
Friday, March 3, 2017
STATE BUDGET – PUBLIC TESTIMONY
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at:
Port of Tillamook Bay
Officers Mess Hall
6825 Officers Row
TILLAMOOK
Let’s work together to protect the values that connect us, move us forward and enrich our lives. Your voice matters! Legislators are asking to hear from you. Please consider participating in one of these meetings and help protect Oregon’s arts, heritage and the humanities.
Additional Resources:
- Big picture on arts and culture in Oregon? Take a look at this.
- Current arts & culture funding in Oregon? Here you go!
- Who received arts grants in your community? And how much was the grant? Check here.