Maryland Citizens for the Arts

Questions for Gubernatorial Candidates

1. Arts and cultural organizations in Maryland contribute immeasurably to the quality of life in our state.  In addition, the arts in Maryland have a major positive impact on the state's economy, generating 12,955 jobs, $34 million in state and local taxes, and creating an overall economic impact of nearly $1 billion dollars.

How do you think Maryland's quality of life is affected by its arts organizations? How will this be reflected in your policies and budgets?

Maryland’s quality of life and economic vitality is significantly enhanced by the number and quality of arts and cultural organizations in our great state. During my tenure as Governor, I have demonstrated my full appreciation of the importance of the arts to our lives and communities. Despite inheriting one of the worst fiscal situations in Maryland history, I have consistently increased the annual appropriation of the Maryland State Arts Council. One of the cornerstones of my commitment to the arts is reflected in the fact that in FY 07 the Maryland State Arts Council received a budget increase of $3.1, bringing the total appropriation to $15.3 million, the largest in the State’s history. I am particularly proud of the fact that Maryland is forecast to rank 5^th in per capita spending in the nation, up from 8^th at the beginning of this administration.

Funding the arts has a tremendous affect not only on our residents, but also on corporate citizens and visitors. The arts stimulate our economy, attract tourists and provide thousands of jobs throughout our state creating a partnership between the arts and the business community that afford us the quality of life we enjoy.

Under the Ehrlich Administration, the resources of the Maryland State Arts Council have been expanded through historic levels of funding and elimination of “line iteming.” My goal is to maintain Maryland’s position as a national arts leader through: increased funding of the Maryland State Arts Council as appropriate under a fiscally sound budget, support of our locally designated arts councils, enhancement of our successful “Ambassador Outreach Program” and expansion of innovative initiatives such as the Technology Enhancement Grants.

2. For over ten years, Maryland Citizens for the Arts and the arts community throughout the state have shared a goal with Legislative Leaders and Governors to fund 10% of arts organizations’ operating budgets through the Maryland State Arts Council’s grants programs.  In recent years, the level of State Arts Council funding has supported grants in the 6.5% - 7% range, and in the current fiscal year, funding was increased significantly allowing for grants of 8.5%.  

The added increase in the State Arts Council budget needed to support a 10% grant level is an insignificant percentage (less than 1/10 of 1%) of the total State Budget. Do you support the goal of funding the State Arts Council budget in an amount necessary to provide 10% grants to arts organizations and as Governor will you work to make this long-standing goal finally a reality?

I have always supported the 10% funding goal and will continue to do so.  However, I am committed to a balanced, fiscally responsible budget for the State.  My goal is to maintain Maryland’s position as a national arts leader through increased funding of the Maryland State Arts Council as appropriate under a fiscally sound budget and support our locally designated arts councils.  Toward this goal, I look forward to working with the leadership of Maryland’s arts organizations and partners to bring this objective to fruition.

3. Arts Education has enjoyed a growing level of support from Legislators and Governors for more than ten years. What is your position relative to state funding for arts education instruction and programs in the public schools?

It is critical. Not only do I consider the arts an important economic generator in Maryland, but also I strongly view the arts as vital to the complete education of our children. I will continue to provide support for arts education in ours schools and will work to secure the necessary resources.

In Fiscal year 2007 Maryland provided more than $1.5 million in additional grant funds to public schools for their efforts to expand arts education beyond the standard curriculum. My administration also made nearly $6.5 million available to educational institutions like Living Classrooms, Inc. and the Great Blacks in Wax Museum for their efforts to provide arts-related education. By exposing students to a variety of art forms and instruction, we are enriching both their lives and our communities.

The Maryland State Board of Education has adopted the goal that “100 percent of Maryland’s students will participate in fine arts programs that enable them to meet the content and achievement standards established by state standards for the arts.“ This goal places the arts--dance, music, theater and the visual arts-- on the same level as other core subject areas including reading, math, science and social studies. Do you agree with this goal? How will you support the achievement of this goal?

I strongly support this goal as evidenced in my record increases for statewide arts programs and in k-12 education funding. I am proud of my record on education.  With over $1.4 billion in new investments in K-12 spending, exceptional teachers and principals, and strong State leadership at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), public schools, including art programs in those schools, are improving each year across the State.

I plan to build on this legacy of success over my next four years as Governor.  I will continue to fund the Thornton education plan, which seeks to provide the best possible education to all Maryland children, regardless of their zip code.  Working together, we have accomplished a great deal for Maryland's children.  I am confident that by continuing to invest in our schools, teachers, and families there is far more we can do.