http://www.whyy.org/support/statefunding.html

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How do you value WHYY?

Hello, I'm Jerry Sweeney, Chairman of WHYY, and I want to take a moment to share with you some important news.

Whether you are a parent who values WHYY as a safe haven for children, a news junkie who can't get enough of the information we provide, or an arts & culture fan who turns to WHYY for enriching programs, we need your assistance.

As you know, we face very challenging economic times. Over the years, we have been fortunate that Governor Ed Rendell and the state Legislature have been very supportive of WHYY and our programming franchise.

This year however, the Governor has proposed a state budget in which he has had to make some very hard choices. Unfortunately one of those decisions includes taking out all funding for public television in Pennsylvania, including $1.1million in funding for WHYY.

In the coming months there will be much debate around what to put back in the state budget and what to leave out. Our hope is that you will join us in that dialogue. We know you place a high value in the programs and services WHYY has to offer.

In the past year alone WHYY has accomplished much. We established a dedicated health and science news reporting desk. The Next Mayor project has evolved into It's Our City, covering the challenges facing Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and his administration. WHYY's weekly performing arts series On Canvas launched with great acclaim. And educational children's programming continues because of your active support.

The award-winning staff here at WHYY have dedicated their careers to producing meaningful and vital content so valuable to you as an individual and to the entire regional community. This is why we are where we are today. And, we are here today because of your individual support, the support of foundations and corporations, and the support of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

It's our hope that we can continue to bring you news when you need it, entertainment when you want it and education when it counts.

Here's how you can help us now. Just take a moment to tell us how you value WHYY. We'll share your views with appropriate state officials. Then check back here often. We'll provide updates on the budget process as well as other opportunities for you to help restore state funding for public television and WHYY.

On behalf of everyone at WHYY and its entire Board of Directors I thank you for your support.