The American Association of Museums just sent out an e-mail warning of a disastrous amendment to the stimulus package.
Sponsored by Senator Tom Coburn R (OK) bill 175 would ban stimulus money from every cultural institution possible, including museums, theaters, art centers, community pools and aquariums. It also takes on golf courses (presumably public ones).
The language of the amendment, (Amendment No. 175, as filed) is, "None of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for any casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course, swimming pool, stadium, community park, museum, theater, arts center, or highway beautification project, including renovation, remodeling, construction, salaries, furniture, zero-gravity chairs, big screen televisions, beautification, rotating pastel lights, and dry heat saunas."
The construction of cultural and recreational institutions provides jobs for workers in the trades and for professionals who are also struggling in this economy. Architects, writers, designers, artists, educators, scientists, computer programmers, actors, athletes, students and interns all benefit directly by working for these centers. Beyond providing jobs, these are the very institutions that make a community livable, that bring joy and knowledge to children and families, that provide places to meet and relax, to take classes and to expand our horizons. Whether you're a senior taking painting classes at a local art center, a couple of 20 something's playing golf on your local public course, a teacher taking a class to an exhibit at the local science museum, or a parent taking the kids to the local pool -- you know that these are the places that make your community a place you want to live!
Often, these institutions are part of larger projects already on the books to revitalize urban centers so they are completely shovel ready and are also financially positioned to be able to receive and spend the money.
Funding cultural and recreational centers should be a priority for this stimulus package. This amendment may be offered as early as Wednesday, February 4. Call your Senators TODAY and urge them to vote NO on the Coburn "Limitation of Funds Amendment No. 175." To reach your Senators, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senators' offices. Or find their number here.
Please call today!