Thank you to all the arts advocates who contacted their legislators, and a special thanks to those who made the trip to Washington, D.C. with us last week.  Your efforts made an impact on the continuing resolution for FY2011 funding.  Though the final 2011 Budget Bill does not include the $167.5 million we requested for the National Endowment for the Arts, it is set at $155 million, which is well above the $124.4 million budget passed by the House in February.  Arts Education funding through the Department of Education was cut from $40 million to $20 million, though not entirely eliminated as was also recommended in the budget passed by the House.  As always, we will keep you posted about the State and Federal FY12 budgets as they develop.  The time and energy you have dedicated to advocating for the arts and arts education play a key role in educating lawmakers about the importance of the arts.  However, there is always more work to be done!  Please join us for Arts Day in Trenton on May 5.  This year’s event will include our legislative update, the Art Pride annual meeting, keynote speaker Ben Cameron, and a “Meet the Speaker” reception.  Additionally, we invite you to attend the Governor’s Awards in Arts Education that afternoon to enjoy some of New Jersey’s best and brightest arts students and educators.  Registration is FREE, but space is limited, so please visit our Arts Day webpage for more information. Thank you for your support, and remember: ART MATTERS.