Many of these interesting tid-bits can be useful talking points or "elevator
speeches" to help explain the need for implementing and maintaining
these local policies.
Did you know...
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Of the nearly 70 percent of survey respondents who did not evaluate, their satisfaction with the policy
decreased by 10 percent compared to those who did evaluate.
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In 2003, the San Francisco Voluntary Arts Contribution Program, which solicits residents to contribute
to the Arts through their property tax bill, awarded over $100,000 to thirty-six arts organizations.
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34.3 percent of arts organizations were unaware of the public's perception of the their local tax initiative.
This demonstrates a lack of communication between those paying the tax and those benefiting from the tax. This
lack of communication can become an overwhelming obstacle if the policy is under public attack or up for
reauthorization.
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Most cities and counties receive the majority of their revenue from property taxes, while most sales tax revenue
goes directly to the state government. Understanding who benefits from what types of tax will help you identify
which government leaders you should focus your lobbying efforts on.
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Most percent for art ordinances fund public art programs and few of them are funded above 2 percent of the costs
of the capital project.
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In 2004, the Historical Society of Boone County, IL (pop. 44,000) successfully lobbied voters for a 0.2 percent
property tax increase to fund the County's Historical Museum. More about Boone County
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Revenue from most local tax policies that benefit the arts can be used toward annual operating expenses.
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501(c)(3)'s have limitations on their participation in political campaigns. Generally, non-profit organizations are
unable to support or endorse specific candidates; however, they are free to lobby, petition, and campaign for
legislation that would directly impact their organization. Before taking part in any campaign, be sure to check the
federal regulations and those in your own state.
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Defeat can bring you one step closer. Salt Lake City learned from their initial campaign in 1993, amended their
strategy, and became successful in their second (1996) and third (2004) campaigns. Never give up!
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Local arts policies are everywhere and come in all shapes and sizes. There are dedicated arts policies in the smallest
rural counties and largest metropolises all over the country. Some have been on the books more than 50 years and many
communities have more than one policy.
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Massachusetts state leaders passed what is known as the arts lottery or "Megabucks" in 1982. The Massachusetts Cultural
Council (MCC) receives all its funding from the arts lottery. Initially, the lottery was designed to benefit only the
arts and education; however, upon discovering the success of the program, state lawmakers adjusted the law to divert all
revenues to the state's general fund. During a recent state budget crisis, the MCC saw one of the largest funding cuts
in the nation.
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A study of 15 local arts tax policies showed the average time span from concept to implementation was 18 months.
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Approximately 1 in 4 arts administrators working in cities with a tax for the arts did not realize their community had
such a policy.
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