The governor’s May revision of the state budget proposes pulling the $11.5M in funds for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF). This fund was created to support small nonprofit arts organizations in complying with AB-5 and to address the disproportionate burden it placed on arts organizations. It received an overwhelming number of applications due to the extreme need for funding by arts organizations in California. If approved, ABADÁ-Capoeira SF was poised to receive $120,000 from the fund to help cover extensive costs associated with management and artists’ staff payroll.
This proposed budget cut comes with a series of devastating funding cancellations from the NEH, NEA and over $70M in cuts to California arts funding since 2023. Performing arts organizations around the state are desperately clinging to the hope of these funds, and we will lose more organizations if they don’t come through.
The $11.5M is a modest but impactful investment, directly aimed at keeping Californians employed and preserving small performing arts organizations. This program is over five years in the making with overwhelming support in the legislature.
This is not a done deal! AND YOU CAN HELP!
Contact your legislators and ask them to oppose the governor’s proposed cut to the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund and restore the funding, as promised.
SIGN THIS LETTER!
Email the CA State Budget Committee at: AsmBudget@asm.ca.gov and genevieve.mccloy@asm.ca.gov.
Call the Budget Committee: (916) 319-2099.
Call your legislator’s office, find them here:
Call the governor’s office at (916) 445-2841.
Find email and phone scripts, and letters to sign HERE.