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Museum advocates angered by Rendell cuts
by DAVID N. DUNKLE
The Patriot-News [Harrisburg, Penn.]
February 5, 2009
Gov. Ed Rendell's decision to eliminate assistance grants for dozens of Pennsylvania museums was received with anger Thursday by historical advocacy groups.
"This is a horrible, horrible decision," said Deborah M. Filipi, executive director of the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations, which represents 450 museums in the state. "I don't know what the governor was thinking."
The cuts will affect local organizations such as the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg and the Antique Auto Museum in Hershey, which have received museum assistance grants in the past. While most may be able to make up the lost money in other ways, Filipi said some may have to cut staff and hours. Some may even close, she predicted.
Chuck Ardo, the governor's press secretary, said the decision to cut the grants was driven by the need to balance the budget in a tough economic climate. "If they have suggestions how better to that, we will listen," he said.
Eric
by DAVID N. DUNKLE
The Patriot-News [Harrisburg, Penn.]
February 5, 2009
Gov. Ed Rendell's decision to eliminate assistance grants for dozens of Pennsylvania museums was received with anger Thursday by historical advocacy groups.
"This is a horrible, horrible decision," said Deborah M. Filipi, executive director of the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations, which represents 450 museums in the state. "I don't know what the governor was thinking."
The cuts will affect local organizations such as the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg and the Antique Auto Museum in Hershey, which have received museum assistance grants in the past. While most may be able to make up the lost money in other ways, Filipi said some may have to cut staff and hours. Some may even close, she predicted.
Chuck Ardo, the governor's press secretary, said the decision to cut the grants was driven by the need to balance the budget in a tough economic climate. "If they have suggestions how better to that, we will listen," he said.
Eric