Brief Description: Providing for arts education funding.

Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Appleton, Sells, Hasegawa, Roberts, Conway, Hudgins, Santos, Kessler, Kagi and Simpson.

Hearing Date: 1/18/08

Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).

Background:

When the State Lottery was established in 1982, lottery proceeds net of expenses and prizes were deposited into the state general fund. In 1995 and 1997, the Legislature dedicated a portion of net lottery proceeds to pay off bonds issued to construct sports stadiums in Seattle. Since Fiscal Year 2005, all net lottery revenues not otherwise dedicated have been deposited into the Education Construction Fund (ECF), which is used for school or higher education institution construction. In Fiscal Year 2007, the ECF received $102 million from lottery revenues.
   
The portion of lottery revenue dedicated to debt service on the bonds for the Safeco Field baseball stadium was $4.5 million for Fiscal Year 2007 and grows at 4 percent per year until 2016 or the bonds are retired, whichever occurs first. Based on current forecasts, unanticipated revenue from other sources will allow the bonds to be paid off early, perhaps by the 2011 Fiscal Year. After the Safeco field bonds are retired, that portion of the net lottery revenue will be deposited in the ECF.

The Washington State Arts Commission (Commission) is a state agency whose mission is to advance and supports arts and culture in the state through leadership, knowledge, funding, and resources that build participation in and access to the arts. The Commission consists of 19 members appointed by the Governor plus four legislative members. The Governor appoints the Director. The Commission operates several grants programs for arts education in the public schools and participates in initiatives to support arts education.

Summary of Bill:

The Executive Director of the Commission designates a School Arts Program Committee (Committee) of five members. The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) appoints two members, the Executive Director appoints two members, and the fifth member is selected by the other members.

Beginning in 2012-13, the Committee establishes an annual grants process to institute and sustain arts-infused curriculum, programs, and projects in public schools. Programs funded through the grants must assist students in making connections to other disciplines, learn about other cultures, and strengthen communities through the use of the arts.

Cities, counties, nonprofit arts agencies, artists, public schools, school districts, and Educational Service Districts (ESDs) can apply for the grants. Applications must include at least one arts organization or artist and at least one school. To the maximum extent possible, grants are distributed based on enrollment in the nine ESDs. A minimum of 10 percent and a maximum of 25 percent of annual funds are for proposals with a statewide focus delivered regionally.   No more than 3.5 percent may be expended for administration.

The State Lottery must be acknowledged as the source of funds for grant projects in publications and advertising, as well as by grant recipients through enduring signage or other credit.

When lottery revenues cease to be distributed for debt service on the baseball stadium bonds, that portion of revenues is deposited in the School Arts Programs Account, which is created in the State Treasury. Expenditures must be authorized jointly by two Committee members, one appointed by the SPI and one appointed by the Commission Director. An appropriation is not needed for expenditure of funds.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2008.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.