Non-profit theater companies across the country would receive a $5 billion taxpayer-funded bailout under a new plan being promoted by a group of Democrats in the Senate. The proposed bailout comes as prominent stages are facing unprecedented financial crises following their embrace of woke identity politics, which has alienated audiences and donors.
Among the companies poised to receive the new federal dollars would be New York’s Public Theater, which staged the gruesome stabbing death of President Donald Trump in its infamous 2017 production of Shakespeare’sSen. Peter Welch is leading the way with the legislation, which is called the Supporting Theater and the Arts to Galvanize the Economy Act of 2024.
Professional non-profit theaters and artists that support millions of jobs and boost local economies. That's why I'm introducing the STAGE Act with my colleagues to support the industry that enriches us all.The STAGE Act would earmark $1 billion annually for five years in grants to theaters that would be administered through the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. The amount represents a significant increase over the $2.5 billionOther lawmakers backing the legislation include Sens. John Fetterman and Jack Reed . Rep. Suzanne Bonamici is also supporting the bill.
In recent months, the company has seen attendance drop of 30 percent while operating costs have skyrocketed by as much as 45 percent.hitting prominent theaters comes as their far-left agendas continue to drive away loyal audiences and even some donors. Combined with Bidenflation that has caused their operating costs to soar, companies are facing catastrophic budgetary shortfalls and are resorting to layoffs and shutdowns.