California lawmakers have reached a deal on the state budget, which includes $11.5 million in arts funding. The money will go towards the Performing Arts Equity Payroll Fund (PAEPF), which is a program that funds artists in small nonprofit arts organizations. Governor Newsom, who has been repeatedly threatened and insulted by Trump, stood up and worked closely with the AEA. Nationwide, funding for theatres, orchestras and more, have been cancelled or withdrawn. “The PAEPF is a lifeline for employers hiring Equity members across California,” said Equity Western Regional Vice President Jeffrey Landman, “It can be the difference between a nonprofit theatre being able to pay a worker a living wage, and not.”
Read the full story by Actor’s Equity News, published June 26, 2025, here: https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/2025/06/26/actors-equity-association-celebrates-final-california-budget-agreement-including-arts-funding
