Romney Proposes Slashing MCC by $2.4 Million

Jan. 26, 2006

Dear Advocates,

Governor Romney's proposed FY 07 budget, released yesterday, would reduce state cultural funding for fiscal year 2007, which begins in July, through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) by $2.4 million. This is the first step in a long process as the Legislature ultimately decides the appropriation for state agencies such as the MCC, but it is clear that we must increase our advocacy efforts.

The Governor's budget is now before the House Committee on Ways and Means which will hold hearings and will recommend their own version of the budget most likely in April. The Legislature, particularly under the leadership of Speaker Sal DiMasi and Senate President Robert Travaglini, have recognized the value of investing in arts and culture by creating the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development and has increased MCC funding over the last two years by $2.3 million. The Legislature is also considering action on a landmark cultural facilities funding program that would invest upwards of $250 million in the expansion and renovation of cultural facilities.

Arts and culture are integral to our economy by creating an infrastructure for tourism, the state's third largest industry; and by working to revitalize communities, as we have seen in North Adams, Lowell and New Bedford.

As we continue to improve the Massachusetts economy, we must use every economic development tool available. State cultural funding not only supports jobs, but also helps to build more attractive communities. Mayors from communities across the Commonwealth, including Pittsfield, Gloucester, Worcester and Lawrence, are asking for MCC cultural economic development grant for help in their cities.

State cultural funding helps to support cultural non-profit organizations, a significant portion of our economy with a statewide payroll of $247 million and in-state spending of $1.2 billion.

However, the Governor's budget proposal increases the advocacy challenges we face this year. Please click on the link below to send a message to the Governor and Lt. Governor expressing you support for state cultural funding.

http://capwiz.com/artsusa/ma/state/main/?state=MA

Thank you,

Dan Hunter