GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
S	1
SENATE BILL 522*
     

 
Short Title:	NC Arts Council Funds.	()	
Sponsors:	Senators Odom;  Albertson, Allran, Ballantine, Berger, Bingham, Carpenter, Carrington, Carter, Clodfelter, Dannelly, Forrester, Foxx, Garrou, Garwood, Gulley, Harris, Hartsell, Horton, Hoyle, Jordan, Kerr, Lee, Lucas, Metcalf, Miller, Moore, Purcell, Rand, Rucho, Shaw of Cumberland, Soles, Weinstein, and Wellons.	
Referred to:	Appropriations/Base Budget.	
March 19, 2001

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to the department of cultural resources to support the north carolina arts council.

Whereas, North Carolina is known throughout the world for its pottery traditions, literary legacy, Southern Appalachian music traditions, jazz, blues and gospel heritage, and an abundance of artists and arts institutions; and
Whereas, North Carolina's arts community is strong and vibrant and it contributes greatly to the rich quality of life and to the healthy economy that this State enjoys; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Arts Council has worked to build a community of artists and arts organizations so that all of our citizens and visitors to our State will have the opportunity to enjoy the arts; and
Whereas, in 2003, the national average for per capita spending by state arts councils will be $1.50; and
Whereas, an additional $6,000,000 appropriation added to the North Carolina Arts Council's recurring appropriation would allow North Carolina to reach the national average; and
Whereas, in each of the years during the 1999‑2001 biennium, the North Carolina Arts Council received a nonrecurring appropriation of $2,000,000; and
Whereas, there is precedent in North Carolina's budgeting process for such an appropriation to become part of the recurring budget in the third year; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Cultural Resources, Division of Arts Council, the sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) for the 2001‑2002 fiscal year and the sum of four million dollars ($4,000,000) for the 2002‑2003 fiscal year to support the programs of the North Carolina Arts Council. These funds shall be in addition to appropriations already in the base budget for the North Carolina Arts Council and shall become part of the North Carolina Arts Council's continuation budget.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2001.