‘State of the Arts’ meeting scheduled to address budget proposal

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Governor Matt Bevin delivered his first budget address for the state of Kentucky on Tuesday.

In that address, Bevin announced he wanted to cut 4.5% from the current budget for the current fiscal year, then cut 9% for most agencies in the next fiscal year. That fiscal year begins July 1, 2016. You can see a breakdown of Governor Bevin’s budget proposal here.

Bevin’s proposed 9% cuts are not across the board. The governor plans to exempt K-12 public education, programs for military veterans, health insurance for the poor and disabled and drug treatment programs. However, there will be cuts to universities and community and technical colleges.

Funding for the Kentucky Arts Council has concerned many people. Bevin says he will not be eliminating funds to the council directly, but the proposed budget does cut money for the council’s parent agency, the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

Wednesday night the council has scheduled an emergency ‘State of the Arts’ meeting at 5:30. The meeting will be held at the Arts Place, located at 161 North Mill Street.