Sample Letters to Legislators
Sample Letter Asking for Support of the Arts
January 1, 2007
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State and Zip
Legislator Name
Legislator Address
Legislator City, State and Zip
Dear Gov./Sen./Rep. Legislator Name:
I am writing to ask you to support arts funding in Minnesota. This funding, especially for rural Minnesota areas like Lake Judy, is crucial to the continued existence of the performing and visual arts, the health of the local economy and the availability and accessibility of the arts to all of the citizens of the state.
While I understand that the state is facing a serious budget deficit, it is important to note that the arts have over $1 billion in economic impact on the state of Minnesota. There are over 30,000 arts jobs in Minnesota, including the employees of the state’s 1,600 arts organizations. The arts drive tourism and stimulate business development in cities and rural areas. Minnesota’s strong cultural community attracts good business people and serves as a recruiting draw.
Government support of the arts stabilizes the arts community and ensures that the arts are accessible for all income levels and segments of the population. Cuts to the arts will have little, if any, effect on the state’s budget deficit. The entire state arts appropriation is just $25 million per biennium, and the budget shortfall is estimated at $4.2 billion. While I understand that all sectors of the state will feel the pain of the budget deficit, I urge you not to cut the arts disproportionately.
As a member of the Lake Judy Arts Council and a member of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, I regularly have the opportunity to visit with recipients of state funding throughout the region. As an oboe player with the Lake Judy Community Orchestra, my colleagues and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to play with a top-quality local musical ensemble. I encourage you to attend a performance of the Orchestra the next time you are home, and I sincerely appreciate your efforts to help maintain strong funding for the arts.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name
Sample Thank You Letter
January 1, 2007
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State and Zip
Legislator Name
Legislator Address
Legislator City, State and Zip
Dear Gov./Sen./Rep. Legislator Name:
As your constituent, I would like to thank you for your support of arts funding through the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils this year. As a board member of the Eagle Nook theater, I know that it is truly important to our community. Please come visit us the next time you are home.
Once again, thank you!
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name