Thursday, March 2, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Lauds Missouri Arts Council for Improved Efficiencies
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today lauded the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) for saving more than $92,000 as part of the governor’s ongoing commitment to saving taxpayer dollars by making state government more efficient.
“I commend the Missouri Arts Council for answering our call to create a state government that lives within taxpayer’s means,” Blunt said. “They have achieved real savings that will not compromise their core mission and that will help us continue our responsible budgeting efforts.”
As part of the savings, MAC eliminated the position of assistant director for organizational development resulting in a savings of $75,200 in salary and benefits. Other job vacancies are not being filled for an additional savings of $6,800 in monthly salary and benefits.
MAC also stopped the publication of its Fall ArtLogue for a savings of $8,000 in design, printing and mailing costs. Other minor adjustments to the council’s public information budget will result in about $1,500 in annualized cost savings. Meanwhile, the council’s monthly newsletter (MACNotes) was going entirely electronic in January for an estimated savings of $1,200 per month in printing and mailing costs.
The Missouri Arts Council, the states grant-making agency for the arts, provides assistance to nonprofit organizations throughout Missouri. A division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, MAC is the second oldest, state-funded arts agency in the country. It was established in 1965 to encourage and stimulate the growth, development and appreciation of the arts in Missouri.
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