Legislative Update
This legislative session arts advocates across the state have worked like never before to preserve arts and cultural funding. The following is a brief summary and status update of the legislation we’ve worked over the past several weeks. Grassroots advocacy works! Please keep in mind, we still need to see the Oklahoma Arts Council through the critical appropriations process. Anything can happen, so please continue to talk with your legislators about how critical this funding is to your schools, organizations and communities.
Keeping Art Alive in Oklahoma, a Legislative Update
LEGISLATION AFFECTING the OKLAHOMA ARTS COUNCIL
HB 2850
SUMMARY
Reduce appropriations to the Oklahoma Arts Council by 25 percent a year for four years until it reaches zero.
STATUS
Based on a broad lack of support the bill was pulled in late February by the house author.
HB 3028
SUMMARY
Create the Tourism, History and Cultural Affairs Act of 2014; Consolidate the Oklahoma Department of Tourism, Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Arts Council.
STATUS
Passed the house subcommittee; Bill was not heard before the deadline for all bills to be heard by the full House of Representative and therefore subsequently “died” mid-March.
LEGISLATION AFFECTING the OKLAHOMA ART in PUBLIC PLACES program
HB 3296
SUMMARY
Extend the moratorium on the Oklahoma Art in Public Places Program until 2017.
STATUS
Failed to get broad support in the House of Representatives and died in committee in mid-March.
SB 1859
SUMMARY
Following the death of HB 3296, the house author lobbied authors of the mirror bill in the senate to make the Art in Public Places Program voluntary instead of mandatory.
STATUS
Passed the full Oklahoma Senate and is heading to the full house. We continue to monitor this legislation.
LEGISLATION AFFECTING the AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL CENTER and MUSEUM
SB 1651
SUMMARY
Relating to the Native American Cultural Center Trust Authority and the earmarking of $40 million of state funds to finish the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City.
STATUS
Passed out of the full Oklahoma Senate and is headed to the full House.
LEGISLATION AFFECTING OKLAHOMA FILM & MUSIC
HB 2580
SUMMARY
Extend the Compete with Canada Film Act (better known as the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program) to 2024.
STATUS
Passed out of the full Oklahoma House of Representatives and is expected to pass the Oklahoma Senate.
Sign Up: Arts Day at the Capitol set for May 7
Oklahomans for the Arts announces the 3rd Annual Arts Day at the Oklahoma Capitol, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 7. This is an opportunity for arts supporters from across the state to join together in the capitol and deliver a unified message to our Oklahoma legislators: Public funding for the arts is vital to Oklahoma communities.
All Oklahoma organizations and schools that receive public funding for the arts from the Oklahoma Arts Council are invited to host information tables. Organizations: Click here to sign up. All individual arts advocates planning on attending are invited to join the Facebook event. Let your friends and legislators know you’re coming! You do not need to sponsor a table to be an effective grassroots advocate for the Oklahoma Arts Council.
OFTA Board of Directors
James R. Tolbert III, Chair (Oklahoma City); Governor Bill Anoatubby (Chickasaw Nation); Billie Barnett (Tulsa); Joy Reed Belt (Oklahoma City) Bill Cameron (Oklahoma City); Ryan Cunningham (Oklahoma City); Charlie Daniels (Bartlesville); Nance Diamond (Shawnee); C. Kendric Fergeson (Altus); Linda Edmondson (Oklahoma City); Linda Frazier (Tulsa); Ann Graves (Tulsa); Will Jones (Deer Creek); Michael E. Joseph (Oklahoma City); P. Vincent LoVoi (Tulsa); Melvin Moran (Seminole); Desmond Mason (Oklahoma City); Roxana Lorton (Tulsa); Larry Nichols (Oklahoma City); Bob Ross (Oklahoma City); Suzanne Tate (Oklahoma City); William Von Glahn (Tulsa); Dr. Peggy Wisdom (Alva). Executive Director: Jennifer James, APR.
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OKLAHOMANS for the ARTS
428 W. California
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
Executive Committee
James R. Tolbert, III, Chair (OKC)
Suzanne Tate, Treasurer (OKC)
Ryan Cunningham (OKC)
Linda Frazier (Tulsa)
P. Vincent LoVoi (Tulsa)
Jennifer James, APR, Director
EMAIL US! jennifer@oklahomansforthearts.org
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