In the News

MAASH Wins $5 million for Cultural Facilities Fund
Gov. Supports $174,000 MCC Increase

July 11, 2007

Dear Friends,

Governor Patrick signed the FY 08 budget into law today endorsing $5 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund in FY 08.

While the Governor vetoed $41 million worth of spending, he responded to MAASH advocacy (over 500 letters) and maintained the House/Senate Budget increase of $174,000 to the Massachusetts Cultural Council budget and $5 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund.

MAASH thanks the Governor for recognizing the value of state investment in the creative economy through facilities funding and the MCC. Governor Patrick has been a consistent leader for arts and culture in Massachusetts.

His signature confirms the FY 08 state cultural funding for the coming year and establishes for the first time cultural facilities funding as an annual appropriation. The Cultural Facilities law allows the state to issue bonds against a portion of the appropriation. This would increase funds available for grants in the coming year. MAASH will continue to work with our legislative allies to push for bonding to increase the available grant pool.

Working with our advocates across the state, MAASH succeeded in wining one of the few agency increases and in keeping the cultural facilities fund moving forward.

Thanks to all our advocates who e-mailed and made personal phone calls.

Thank you,

Dan Hunter

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