Staffers from arts organizations and their supporters from all over Florida, left their offices Tuesday to go to the state legislature and appeal against proposed arts funding cuts. “At a time when thousands of Floridians face losing vital medical treatment to budget cuts, arts officials know they face an uphill battle. But a major part of their argument for legislators is that the arts are vital to propping up the state’s sagging economy. The arts are tourism, the arts are economic development. Every dollar that the state invests in the arts generates $41. It’s an investment, not a handout.”