Leading Minnesotan lawmaker questions arts funding, "hates" Neil Gaiman
Well, Wisconsin isn’t the only State of the Union with legislators questioning the need for arts funding. The State of Minnesota (looking at a map, it’s to the left of us), which enjoys one of the highest state arts budgets in the country, is dealing with possible cuts to some beloved institutions.
As reported by the Star Tribune, “House Republicans are reexamining state funding for some key arts and cultural heritage groups -- a move that may take political aim at Minnesota Public Radio, the Minnesota Zoo and other entities that have gotten special appropriations.”
Things got dicey Tuesday when the chair of the House Legacy Funding Division panel introduced an amendment funding bill seeking to remove specific money recommendations.
Yes, friends, this would affect 89.3 The Current, as MPR would be forced to compete for funding grants to maintain its current programing.
Neil Gaiman feel dreary.
In an odd, somewhat Wisconsin-themed twist to the story, Minnesota’s House Majority Leader Matt Dean singled out internationally famous fantasy author – and Chippewa Valley resident – Neil Gaiman as a “pencil-necked little weasel who stole $45,000” for a speaking engagement at a library. The money had been earmarked for bringing authors to suburban libraries, and Mr. Gaiman donated it to charity. From the Star Trib:
House Majority Leader Matt Dean said he reminded Urdahl of the "importance of making sure he has [Republican] caucus support" for Legacy funding for arts and cultural heritage projects, an area of spending that Dean acknowledged had rankled some Republicans. "MPR, it's safe to say, has been a concern in the past," said Dean.
Dean also singled out a $45,000 payment of Legacy money that was made last year to science fiction writer Neil Gaiman for a four-hour speaking appearance. Dean said that Gaiman, "who I hate," was a "pencil-necked little weasel who stole $45,000 from the state of Minnesota."
For Gaiman's reaction, look here.
