South Florida leaders react to DeSantis' veto of $32 million in grants to arts, cultural nonprofits
MIAMI — A look at the impact of the Governor's unprecedented decision to veto $32 million in grants to arts and culture nonprofit groups across Florida.
CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede discusses the cuts with former Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber and Michel Hausmann, the artistic director of Miami New Drama, a theater company that produces local plays.
Hausmann said he was shocked by the veto.
"First of all, the legislature had already reduced the budget from $60 million to $30 million. But $30 million in the budget of the state represents 0.03 percent. So it's negligible for the state economy, for the budget, but it makes a huge impact for (the arts programs), he said.
Hausmann added that the arts generate jobs and revenue for the state.
Gelber said there is no world class community that does not have a highly evolved and supported arts and culture community.
"It's interesting because I know the governor always talks about how people are moving here because of the tax rate. We have had low taxes in Florida since I was born over 60 years ago. We've never been a high-tax state. That's not new. What is new, however, is that all the people coming from New York, California, and Chicago are coming here because we now have those amenities that they are accustomed to from the places that they are from. Art and culture is one of those amenities," said the mayor.
Check out the interview above to hear what else they had to say.
