In the News

$7 Million in Facilities Funding in House 2
Governor Proposes $12.4 million for the MCC

Jan. 23, 2008

Dear Friends,

For the first time, House 2-the first version of the 2009 state budget-includes funding for the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities.

Governor Deval Patrick and Lt. Governor Tim Murray released House 2 at 11:30 this morning calling for a maintenance increase to the Massachusetts Cultural Council budget of $140,768 to $12.4 million.

Gov. Patrick's budget also calls for $7 million in funding for the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Funding-the first time a Governor has ever included facilities funding in the opening round of the budget process.

MAASH applauds the Governor and Lt. Governor for recognizing that funding for the MCC and capital funding for cultural facilities are critical investments during a severe economic downturn.

The state faces an estimated revenue shortfall of $1.3 billion.

The Governor's budget is submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee which will release it's version of the budget in late March or early April.

MAASH working in coalition with the MCC and the Boston Foundation will advocate in the Legislature for a $13 million facilities fund appropriation.

Sincerely,
Dan Hunter
Executive Director
Massachusetts Advocates for the arts Sciences & Humanities

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