Pittsburgh Opera Director of Development: Rescind the Tom and Susan Corbett Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tom Corbett has slashed the budget for education and the arts since taking office while simultaneously making  corporate tax cuts of $800 million .

Pittsburgh Opera's press release on the award, however, states "Governor Corbett will be honored for his early work as a teacher as well as his long-standing protection of the public interest as Pennsylvania Attorney General. Additionally, as Governor, he has recognized the economic, educational, and social value of the arts. Mrs. Corbett has been an accomplished producer and presenter of arts programs through the years, and, as First Lady, has championed greater participation in the arts in her role as Chair of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts."

Pittsburgh Opera officials may not be aware that Corbett's first two budgets were extremely damaging to the arts and education in Pennsylvania, cutting funding to the arts 10%, 10% to basic education funding, and funding to higher education 45% since taking office.

It is a slap in the face to all who appreciate the vital role the arts and education play in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in the Pittsburgh region. Pittsburgh Opera's recognition of the Governor's destructive actions is embarrassing to the Pittsburgh community.

Sign the change.org petition here: http://www.change.org/petitions/pittsburgh-opera-director-of-development-rescind-the-tom-and-susan-corbett-lifetime-achievement-award