Committee mulls possible Historical Commission elimination.
By: Matt Kirdahy
The Township Committee has approved a resolution protesting cuts in the state’s upcoming fiscal year budget that would eliminate the state Historical Commission.
In a resolution approved April 7, the committee asked Gov. James McGreevey to reconsider elimination of money that funds the Council on the Arts, the Historical Commission and the Cultural Trust.
Gov. McGreevey’s proposed budget eliminates the entire $33.2 million in funding for staff, operations or grants for the three programs. It would cut $18.6 million to the Council on the Arts, $18 million for grants and $613,000 for administrative costs; $4.2 million to the Historical Commission, $3.7 million in grants and $500,000 for administrative costs; and $10.4 million to the Cultural Trust Fund, $10 million for grants and $385,000 for administrative costs. Funding for the three organizations expires on June 30.
The Historical Commission helps manage the state’s historic resources and aids municipalities in preservation efforts. It provided the Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society with $1,000 in 2002.
While that is not a lot of money, Township Historian Betty Wagner said the commission is worthwhile because of the programs offered to all towns in the state that have made an effort to preserve history.
According to the township resolution, the nonprofit organizations funded by these agencies support more than 17,000 jobs, generate more than $90 million in tax revenues, attract audiences that exceed 21 million and have a combined economic impact exceeding $1.5 billion.
Committeewoman Becky Beauregard, a former president of the Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society, said the programs were important.
"In the past, Cranbury has been a small beneficiary of funding for these programs," Ms. Beauregard said. "They have often made all of a difference to preserve history in our community."
She said the committee understands the fiscal restraints under which the state is working.
"Even though we are cognizant of the fact we have severe state budget problems, it is still important to save these programs," Ms. Beauregard said.
Ms. Wagner said she appreciates that the committee is supporting the arts and history to the greatest extent that it can.
"Those groups have been in existence for almost 40 years and they’ve made all of these things available," Ms Wagner said about the historical events she attends throughout the year. "If we lose our cultural background it could be a disastrous thing."
Officials from the governor’s office said the decision to cut these programs was difficult and the only way these programs might be saved is if another funding source were to provide the money.
"The governor is willing to listen and constantly has an open ear to the problems concerning history and the arts," said Ellen Mellody, a spokeswoman for the governor. "In order to keep the programs though, there would have to be another revenue source."
As of now there are no reports of any budget amendments or available funds to keep the organizations, according to Ms. Mellody.
"The governor’s budget preserves funding for the most vulnerable of the state’s citizens and unfortunately, was forced to eliminate many state programs so as to provide funds for those who need it most," she said. "The governor is trying to keep his promise to live within the state’s revenues and to meet the basic needs of the people."

