In the News

The New Legislative Session

Jan. 14, 2005

Dear Advocates,

Last year was a very successful legislative year for the arts, sciences and humanities. Together we were able to get a $1 million increase for the Massachusetts Cultural Council. MAASH is now gearing up for the next legislative session. The state continues to face structural deficits estimated to be as high as $900 million. However, because of last year's successful campaign for MAASH's proposal for cultural economic development funding, (now known as the John and Abigail Adams Arts Fund), the arts, sciences, and humanities are being recognized as part of the economic recovery strategy.

We started our advocacy for this session by meeting this week with the new Speaker of the House, Speaker Sal DiMasi. Speaker DiMasi's Boston district has more cultural organizations than any other legislative district. We had a very fruitful discussion about the role of arts and culture in the Massachusetts economy. We talked in detail about plans to give more prominence to arts and culture in the legislature and how to enhance our cultural resources as part of the state's competitive advantage.

MAASH has an aggressive agenda this year including advocating for significant increases in the MCC budget. The Governor is expected to release his budget later this month. Once we have analyzed his budget, we will approach the Legislature and advocate for a significant increase for the MCC. And, we will work with the Speaker to increase the visibility of cultural issues on Beacon Hill and across the state.

Thanks to your efforts through MAASH, there is a growing recognition of the economic, social, and educational value of the arts, sciences, and humanities.

Sincerely,

Dan Hunter

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