On May 14, the Governor issued the “May revise” to the CA 25-26 budget. This revision included reverting $11.5 million allocated to the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF) back to the General Fund and cancelling the program. PAEPF was the result of five years of grassroots advocacy and lobbying to offer a payroll solution to small budget nonprofit performing arts organizations destabilized by CA employment laws and cost increases.
The PAEPF program opened in March as a first-come, first-served grant program and closed quickly over a 10-day period due to the demand of hundreds of CA small nonprofits applying. The Governor’s revision effectively cancels the program as applications are currently under review.
PAEPF is vital to our performing arts community. Help save the program by signing the petition, calling your state legislator, giving public comment at the Capitol, engaging your local press, and activating your network.
Act Now: Save the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund
