In the News

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

May 16, 2007

Dear Friends,

The Senate Ways and Means Committee announced the Senate 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 Senate leaders to support the arts, sciences and humanities.

MAASH thanks Senate President Therese Murray and Chairman Steven Panagiotakos for maintaining their commitment to arts and culture, even in a time when the state faces a $1.3 billion deficit.

The Senate budget also makes the critical step of reauthorizing the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, appropriating $1.23 million for FY 08. This is significant for the cultural community because the Senate has joined the House by funding this program through the operating budget. The Facilities Fund must be reauthorized and funded every year to continue the program. MAASH will work with our allies in the Senate to file an amendment to boost facilities funding to $10 million to match the House appropriation.

We will call on our cultural advocates to take action next week The Senate budget debate is scheduled to begin May 23. Please watch for the next e-mail alert.

Sincerely,

Dan Hunter

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