In the News

House Budget Calls for $12.3 million for the MCC
Reauthorizes and Funds the Mass. Cultural Facilities Fund

April 11, 2007

Dear Friends,

The House Ways and Means Committee announced the House version of the proposed FY 08 budget giving the Massachusetts Cultural Council $12.3 million, a $150,000 increase from the FY 07 budget and an $850,000 increase from the Governor’s proposed funding. This is a big victory for the cultural community and it reflects the commitment of House leaders for supporting arts, cultural and economic development.

MAASH thanks Speaker Sal DiMasi and Chairman Robert DeLeo for maintaining their commitment to arts and culture, even in a time when the state faces a $1.3 billion deficit.

The House budget also makes the critical step of reauthorizing the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, appropriating $10 million for FY 08. This is another dramatic victory for the cultural community as it marks the first time this program has been funded through the operating budget. This funding is, however, down $3 million from FY 07. The Facilities Fund must be reauthorized and funded every year to continue the program. MAASH will work with our allies in the House of Representatives to file an amendment to boost facilities funding to $13 million.

We will call on our cultural advocates to take action during the budget debate scheduled for the week of April 23. Watch for the next email alert.

Sincerely,

Dan Hunter

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