June 18, 2008 From Martha Runyon:

Cultural advocates throughout New Jersey have been busy this spring.  Nearly 15,000 emails and letters have been sent to district legislators voicing support for restored State funding for arts, history and tourism.  33 visits have been made to district offices of elected officials with a new breed of cultural advocates--mayors, superintendents of schools, restaurateurs, hotel owners, law enforcement officials, parents and students. All testified with outstanding examples of how the arts make a difference in their communities and how arts and history are part of the economic solution.

Your voice is being heard!  We are gaining support for restoration of State dollars dedicated for arts, history and tourism through the NJ Hotel/Motel Occupancy Fee.  Thank you!

But...you guessed it...our job is not yet done. The FY09 State budget is in final negotiations and the plan is to pass a budget by June 23.  If you have not yet contacted your elected officials and asked them to help restore State dollars for arts, history and tourism, please do it TODAY!   Visit the ArtPride web site  and click on Action Alert to locate a sample email.  Add a personal note and let them know why this is important to you.

If you have already contacted your elected officials, we thank you once again and ask you to forward this email to colleagues, friends and family.