As you may be aware, the proposed Miami-Dade County budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year includes substantial service cuts and workforce reductions to local cultural organizations.

This year’s proposed budget represents a 25% cut to cultural grants funding to more than 400 local cultural organizations, amounting to a total reduction of $2.3 million of support for the grants programs of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Combined with last year’s 15% cut, this would be a total reduction of about 40% or a loss of $3.7 million.

It is critically important to let the County Commissioners know the impact that County funding has on its cultural organizations. Together, our voices can make a difference.

Here’s what you can do to get involved NOW:

• Attend and register to speak at the two upcoming County Commission Budget Hearings: Monday, September 13^th and Thursday, September 23^rd each at 5:01 p.m. in the County Commission Chamber, 111 N.W. 1^st Street, 2^nd Floor.

• As a supporter of the Museum, write or call your County Commissioners and urge them to support the County’s cultural organizations by not reducing funding. (Sample message available for download here).

• Click here for a complete list of County Commissioners.

• Send e-mails and make calls to your business and personal contacts educating them on the issue and asking them to also take action.

• Continue being involved in the budget discussions that are taking place from this moment on.

• Make sure to mention the Museum in your communications.

On behalf of cultural organizations in Miami-Dade County, we thank you for your rise to action on this important issue and for your ongoing support of the Miami Science Museum.

Sincerely,

Gillian Thomas
President and CEO
Miami Science Museum