The Los Angeles City Council moved one step closer to passing an official resolution in support of AB 580, the California Assembly bill that would fund the California Arts Council with $75 million dollars for the next fiscal year.

The resolution, written on April 17 and first mentioned by Councilmember Paul Krekorian (District 2) during the ArtsDay City Council meeting, was on the agenda of yesterrday's meeting of the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.  Council President Herb C. Wesson (District 10) and members Tom LaBonge (District 4) and José Huizar (District 14) serve on this committee.

Presented by Mr. Krekorian, the resolution was seconded by Councilmembers LaBonge, Joe Buscaino (District 15), Paul Koretz (District 5), and José Huizar.

Following the resolution's introduction at the meeting, City Council welcomed public comment from Arts for LA's Danielle Brazell.  "Support from the city for AB580 is huge," she said.  "It will directly benefit the City of Los Angeles.  It will also benefit nonprofit arts orgs serving communities throughout the region.  It will also provide additional economic activity through the one to one match—for every grant dollar that comes through the state, organizations have to match that.  I think it's a win-win for everyone."

"This committee concurs with your beliefs on this resolution," Mr. Wesson said.

Now that the resolution has passed out of the Rules, Elections, and Interngovernmental Relations Committee, it can be placed on the agenda of a full City Council meeting for a vote by the whole Council. 

AB 580 is currently under review by the State Assembly's Appropriations Committee, chaired by Assemblymember Mike Gatto.