Two Florida Lawmakers Want to End Public Funding of Art

From tampabay.com, Senator Ronda Storms (R) wrote a repeal to outlaw state funded public art in Florida until the economy improves. She was quoted as saying, “Do I pay for art instead of paying for care for an abused kid? This is an example of fat. This is a luxury.” She proposed the bill a year ago, but it fizzled out in committee. Now she only needs one more committee’s approval before being voted on by lawmakers. An amendment to Storms’ bill was added stating that funding would return to art in 2011, but it would have to be approved by the lawmakers; Storms does not approve of this clause, wanting it to be removed from the bill. A similar bill by Representative Rich Glorioso (R) moving forward currently. It is hard to believe that Senator Storms considers the artwork just a “luxury” when “the state program is providing an economic benefit by providing work for artists,” a point made by Bill Iverson, public art program manager for Hillsborough, FL. Ironically, Storms’ Senate website states that local art is one of her passions.

Advertisement