Q1. Democrats have a history of more funding for arts and humanities. The
main difference, however, usually comes in allocation of available funds
rather than in amounts of overall funding. Neither party has a coherent
policy of what role public arts and humanities play in society and our
country's culture.

Q2. The economy has had marginal effects on federal funding. The economy has
definitely had a negative impact on state, county and local funding.

Q3. Increased in some areas, decreased in others, and remained the same in
the remaining. Legislative grants (state) have decreased significantly.

Q4. Yes.
One of the many major unresolved questions in our society is the
significance, and therefore, the degree of financial support of public
culture. About 45% of the federal budget is spent on financial pass-throughs
(Social Security, Medicare, mortgage support, etc.) and non-military debt
reduction. About 5 % is spent on various programs, while 50% is spent on the
military and military-related expenses. States allocate more funds as a
percentage of their budget to cultural and culture related spending. Local
governments spend the bulk of their income on schools.

Happy New Year.
nburlakoff

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf
Of John Martinson
Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2003 10:03 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Democrat/Republican Funding of Museum poll

I was interested in seeing your opinion with the present situation of
funding or lack thereof of museums.  Earlier I was thinking about this, but
a related article in the "hot topic" section of the AASLH webpage caught my
attention, which states:

"That is why the American Association for State and Local History is deeply
concerned over the draconian reductions in public funding of historical
organizations and activities that currently are being made across the
country, most egregiously at the state level. These reductions demonstrate a
wanton disregard of the relationship of the past to the future of the
democratic institutions that define America and its position in the world.
The threat to state historical resources and institutions is especially
alarming. State libraries and archives, historical collections and museums,
historic sites, and other historical resources are not frills to be
discarded when budgets are tight or to accomplish particular political
agendas. They are essential trustees of our democratic inheritance."

My questions:

1.  Do you feel funding for museums/historic sites, etc., are assisted
supported and/or funded more by a Democrat or Republican administration?

2.  Do you feel it is not the administration but the economy that has
reduced funding to museums since 9/11?

3.  Has funding sources increased, decreased or changed since 9/11 for your
organization?

4.  Has your organization found additional funding sources that has kept you
at the same level prior to 9/11?

Of course, I have my own opinion of which party supports museums, the arts,
National Parks and heritage programs, but wanted to see what the group
thinks.

And to all --- a Happy New Year!

John

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