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Supporters Push Millage Increase So DIA Doesn't Become DOA

DETROIT (WWJ) - There's a big push to get the word out regarding next week's primary election, and a millage on the ballot to save the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Dozens of supporters, including Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, gathered at New Center Detroit to rally and to sign up to volunteer to pass out literature, deliver lawn signs, and get involved in social media, all to help promote the passage of a millage increase in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.

The millage increase would fund the DIA for the next ten years.

Bing noted with enthusiasm that leaders of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County agree that a millage increase is necessary to keep the facility running.

Ann Marie Erickson is the Chief Operating Officer at the DIA and says, this is a very small millage with a very big payoff:

"We will ensure the future of this fine museum for our communities for the next ten years and beyond," said Erickson. "The millage is for 10 years - we will use that time to build our operating endowment so that we have a secure financial future. This is really not a handout, it's a hand-up - it's (to) help the DIA."

"They have to get out there on Aug.7 and vote for their county arts authorities - save the DIA," said Erickson.

The millage reportedly would cost a homeowner less than twenty dollars a year with a home valued at about $200,000.

Opponents say taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund the museum.

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