Area cultural organizations zeroes out of state budget

By Jay Warren
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: March 13, 2008

It’s happened again. Our cultural organizations have been zeroed out of the state budget. They’re getting nada. Zip. Nothing.

I’ve covered similar cuts in the past including huge cuts during former Governor Jim Gilmore’s time. In fact, getting money for Center in the Square, Mill Mountain Zoo, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and all the rest is almost always a fight, even during the more robust years. And during tough times getting that money is almost impossible. That’s what’s happening right now.

You have to give our leaders credit: they try. Working across party lines, our legislators band together waging a coordinated battle in the Senate and House. They are joined by representatives from the cultural organizations who spend considerable time during the session lobbying members from other parts of the commonwealth and the governor’s office. Unfortunately, the budget shortfall this year was too great for any of those tactics to work.

So, what happens? Well, the Transportation Museum has to make up one-fifth of its budget. That’s how much they lost and as a result they’ll cut a staff position and pinch pennies where they can. Center in the Square lost $1.2 million which will delay its planned renovation. The Science Museum lost $600,000 which will also delay some much needed updates.

And, all of our area groups will now have to rely more heavily on the generosity of the community. In other words, they’ll have their hands out asking you for money. It’s tough to raise money in Southwest Virginia in good times. It’s even harder during a recession… or whatever Washington is calling our current economic situation. Their situation is tough and so is their mission.

But, let’s be clear. Supporting these organizations is critical to the vitality of our area. They provide huge quality of life to the entire region. Whether its cultural, educational, or economic development, these groups are essential. We need them, and we need them to thrive. Let’s hope they can during these lean years.