With the economy taking a hit as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the performing arts are suffering. The relief bill includes funding for the performing arts and Republicans Congressmembers have something to say about it.
The Kennedy Center received $25 million from the bill, as IJR previously reported. The center has reportedly announced that it would furlough 60% of its administrative staff. Over 700 employees have already been impacted by having their pay suspended.
It will be using about $20 million from the package for employee benefits and compensation.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) have voiced their opposition to the $25 million in funding amid reports of workers being furloughed.
Scott sent a letter on Tuesday to The Office of Management and Budget of Acting Director Russell Vought to call on him to rescind the funds.
The letter opens with Scott explaining the importance of spending tax dollars wisely and moves on to address the funds for the Kennedy Center and its laying off of employees.
“The CARES Act also came with a more than $2 trillion price tag, and contained numerous provisions that have nothing to do with helping those affected by the Coronavirus,” the letter reads, later adding, “I was shocked to learn this weekend that the Kennedy Center, despite receiving $25 million from taxpayers, decided to layoff many professional musicians in its workforce.”
Steil agrees with Scott as he introduced a bill to rescind the funding and announced it in a tweet.
“Some in Washington felt it was important to spend $25 million of taxpayer dollars on the Kennedy Center when there are obviously bigger needs right now,” Steil tweeted, “My bill rescinds the $25 million. That money should go to fighting coronavirus or to taxpayers.”
Steil’s bill has reportedly 13 cosponsors, including House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.). Scalise commented on the bill.
“I want to thank Rep. Bryan Steil for his leadership in filing a bill to return the Kennedy Center’s abused earmark, and send a clear message — if an organization is receiving assistance from the federal government, we expect them to take care of their workers,” Scalise said in a statement.
Scalise also appeared on Fox News to discuss the funding.
Watch his comments below:
Thanks @SteveScalise for supporting my bill that takes back the $25 million from DC’s Kennedy Center. This money should be spent fighting the virus or in taxpayers’ pockets! WATCH on @seanhannity here: pic.twitter.com/HgmYGEdvE5
— Bryan Steil (@RepBryanSteil) March 31, 2020
“It shows you the misplaced priorities of Speaker Pelosi and her radical allies while everyone else was working together,” Scalise said.
