Skepticism Over Legacy Funds For School Arts

A proposal from Representative Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) to dedicate 40% of the arts money from the legacy funds to arts in Minnesota schools is met with skepticism from DFLers.

Representative Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) is concerned that the money would be used to make up for the state borrowing from schools to balance the state’s budget. He says without establishing how much schools are already spending on arts, the bill would unconstitutional because the legacy amendment says the state must not replace traditional sources of funding.

Public TV and arts organizations are also concerned about the proposal. Their testimony and a heated exchange with Representative Garofalo about his real intentions are in additional videos below.

Above: Public TV and arts organizations explain why funding them is such a good idea.

Below: Representatives Winkler and Garofalo have a “spirited discussion” that is a real eye opener.