MASSCreative continues to monitor and report on state and federal policy that supports equitable communities and a stronger, more inclusive creative sector.
Included in MASSCreative's December 10 Policy Update:
- FY21 State Budget
- Rollback of Reopening
FY21 Budget
In an unusual budget year for the Commonwealth, the FY21 Budget continues to be negotiated into December. Due to the economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, state revenues are below FY20 rates. This means lawmakers are making difficult decisions about spending in the budget. Here is a helpful chart tracking the items that affect arts, culture and arts education.
| Governor Baker’s January Budget | Governor Baker’s Revised Budget | House Ways & Means Budget | House Budget (Passed 11/12) | Senate Ways & Means Budget |
Senate Budget (Passed 11/18) |
Conference Committee (Passed by Legislature 12/4) |
|
| Mass Cultural Council | $16.1M | $16.1M | $18.2M | $18.2M | $18.2M | $18.2M | $18.2M |
| Chapter 70 Local (Local Aid Education Funding) | $5.5B | $5.3B | $5.3B | $5.3B | $5.3B | $5.3B | $5.3B |
Next Steps
The Budget is now with Governor Baker who has 10 days to either sign, veto or line item veto the budget. MASSCreative, MassHumanities and the Mass Cultural Council submitted a shared letter of support for the budget, urging Governor Baker to sign the budget and include $18.2M for the arts, culture and creativity, $5.3B for Chapter 70 local education funding aid, and a deadline extension for nonprofits to repay the Unemployment Assistance Fund.
Rollback of Reopening Phase III Step 2
On December 8, Governor Baker announced Massachusetts will return to Phase III, Step 1 of the COVD-19 Reopening Plan. The rollback will go into effect December 13. You can read more about the order here.
What does this mean for the creative community?
- Outdoor gatherings at events and public spaces will be capped at 50 people
- Indoor Theaters and Performance Venues must close
- Outdoor Theatres and Performance Venues must reduce capacity to 25% and no more than 50 people
- Libraries and Museums must reduce capacity to 40%, down from 50%
- All musical performances are prohibited at restaurants.
Learn more about the required safety protocols included in Phase III Step 1.
