WE SUPPORT ISSUE 55 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY CIGARETTE TAX FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT BY THE ROOTS OF AMERICAN MUSIC OF BEACHWOOD, OHIO FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY CIGARETTE TAX FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
WHEREAS: Cuyahoga County’s arts and culture non-profit sector supports thousands of jobs and results in hundreds of millions of dollars of annual economic activity; and
WHEREAS: Cuyahoga County’s nonprofit arts and culture organizations support and enrich education programs for children throughout our county; and
WHEREAS: Cuyahoga County’s arts and culture strengthens our neighborhoods, attracts visitors to our region, and enhances our quality of life; and
WHEREAS: Cuyahoga County voters passed a small tax on cigarettes in 2006 and and renewal of that tax in 2015 that provides dedicated, public funding to support non-profit arts and culture organizations and initiatives in Cuyahoga County; and
WHEREAS: The proceeds from this cigarette tax have strengthened the vitality of our arts and culture ecosystem; and
WHEREAS: The proceeds from this cigarette tax have touched nearly every community in our county through the funding more than 485 arts, cultural, educational and community organizations at more than 2,300 locations; and
WHEREAS: The revenues from the tax have declined by 50% since its inception; and
WHEREAS: A replacement of this tax is needed and will be placed before Cuyahoga County voters in the November 2024 General Election; and
WHEREAS: Cuyahoga County’s ability to sustain and further develop its arts and culture sector will be placed at risk without the replacement of this cigarette tax as a dedicated funding source.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Board of Directors of Roots of American Music, Ohio hereby endorses the passage by voters in the November 2024 General Election of a replacement of Cuyahoga County’s excise tax on tobacco products for the purpose of funding arts and culture; and
2. That the Board of Directors of Roots of American Music, Ohio asks the residents of Beachwood and the other residents of Cuyahoga County to join its members in supporting the passage of the expansion of Cuyahoga County’s excise tax on tobacco products for purpose funding non-profit arts and culture organizations; and
3. That the Board of Directors of Roots of American Music, Ohio provides this resolution and the representations made herein to the public and to appropriate members of the news media.
SO RESOLVED, on this 17th day of September, 2024
Board of Directors of Roots of American Music