I have three thoughts as I read the below.
1. Aargh to the idea that arts funds would go to this cause.
2. Aargh to the robohelp aspect of the way they want you to contact your legislator, even if you don’t know who they are.
3. Aargh, just in general.
How about you? –db
From: Sheila Smith [mailto:sheila@mncitizensforthearts.org]
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 12:05 PM
Subject: arts alerts: Take Action Now to Oppose Diverting Arts Legacy Funds to Vikings Stadium
arts alert / arts alert / arts alert /arts alert / arts alert
MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center
October 21, 2011
ACT NOW! To Oppose Diverting Legacy Arts Funding to Vikings Stadium
As unbelievable as it may seem, some legislators have proposed diverting Arts Legacy funds to pay for a new Vikings Stadium. We must vigorously oppose this proposal which would do harm to arts funding in every corner of the state.
Go Here Now to send a letter to your legislators opposing this proposal. Talking points are provided there for you to use, and it will automatically send the letters to your legislators, even if you don’t know who they are:
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts » Home
If you see your legislators in the next two weeks, here are some talking points:
I am alarmed at press reports that some legislators are proposing diverting the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund to pay for a Vikings Stadium. I want you to know that, as your constituent, I am absolutely opposed to using this Fund for the stadium.
Thousands of Minnesotans worked together on the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Vote Yes campaign to ensure dedicated funds for the outdoors and for the arts and history. Diverting these funds is not only illegal, but a bait and switch to the taxpayers who voted for the amendment with the belief that we were preserving the arts and outdoors.
Those who have made this proposal have obviously not read the constitution. The constitution limits says these funds “may be spent only for arts, arts education, and arts access and to preserve Minnesota’s arts and cultural heritage.” There is no mention of stadiums anywhere in the constitution.
It is clear that the legislative intent of the Fund is to support Minnesota’s arts and history. No where in that debate, nor in the constitution itself, is there language that says these funds can be used to pay for-profit stadium. Legislative intent is very clear on this matter.
The non-profits in every corner of Minnesota who depend upon these resources to provide arts opportunities in every county would be harmed by this proposal. There is not a single legislative district that would not have a negative impact from it.
Please immediately oppose the diversion of Legacy funds for any stadium.
Take Action Now!
***If you hear back from your legislators, please let me know what they are telling you about this proposal. Thanks! ***
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