LONG BEACH : Wilson Signs Bill Clearing Way for Jazz Institute
Gov. Pete Wilson has signed into law a bill permitting the creation of an institute for the preservation of jazz at Cal State Long Beach. The legislation clears the way to begin raising private funds for the institute, but forbids using public money, except that earmarked for the arts.
News of Wilson’s action was music to the ears of Assemblyman Willard H. Murray Jr. (D-Paramount). Murray, a jazz aficionado, authored the legislation and has lobbied several years for the institute.
“I feel great,” Murray said Tuesday. “It’s the culmination of a long struggle.”
Wilson had vetoed earlier versions of the bill, citing concerns that the institute might become a drain on public funds.
The institute would house an archive of jazz music and artifacts related to the music and jazz artists, Murray said. It also would develop curriculum for training music teachers and music students about jazz. In addition, Murray foresees the institute sponsoring jazz performances and symposiums.
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