It is not surprising that the Mississippi School of the Artsfinds itself facing budget cuts, for all state agencies are facingthe same fate. Mississippi’s economy has been faltering since lastyear, and costing cutting is the order of the day.

What is surprising is that Senate budget leaders would considercompletely eliminating next year’s $1.5 million operating budgetfor the School of the Arts. Such a cut would postpone the openingof the school by another year and might hurt private fund raisingefforts by raising a question on the state’s dedication to theschool.

Since passage of the legislation to establish the school in1999, Herculean efforts to build a facility from scratch have beenmounted. Three buildings on the historic Whitworth campus areawaiting the second phase of renovation; construction on the firstof two eight-story buildings has begun. All in all, $8.4 millionwill have been spent by the State of Mississippi, along with $4.5million from the City of Brookhaven for a total of $12.9 million,to finalize the current phase of construction. Another $7 millionhas been appropriated to the project for the next phase, which willallow the school to begin operation.

The idea of completely eliminating operating funds, as one localresident put it so appropriately, is a “horror.” Hopefully Senatorswill rethink the suggestion and apply only the same percentageother agencies face in cuts.

In 1999 the legislation for the school sailed through bothhouses of the Legislature. Given little chance at the beginning ofthe session, leaders in both houses were amazed by the widespreadsupport the fine arts school had from other members. The reason forthe strong support was simple — the school is a good idea and onethat will benefit all children in Mississippi.

Mississippi’s history in the arts is strong, and a long list ofMississippians have reached worldwide acclaim. We may be 50th inmany areas, but in the arts we are at the top of the list. TheMississippi School of the Arts is an investment in continuing thatleadership role, and one that will only increase the state’sability to lead the nation.