SENATE WAYS AND MEANS PROPOSES $25.5M FOR MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL IN FY25
On May 7th, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its proposed FY25 Budget. The $57.9 billion state spending plan includes investments in education, health care, municipalities, and community-building efforts, including arts and culture.
The Senate Ways and Means Budget recommends $25.5 million in spending for the creative sector through the Mass Cultural Council’s line item (0640-0300). $25.5 million matches the Governor’s recommendation in the FY25 Budget she filed in January. However, it is less than the House’s final budget of $26,750,000 ($25.9 million for Mass Cultural Council grants and operations and $855,000 for earmarks for specific cultural organizations and programs). The House’s version is a 3.58% increase for our state’s arts agency.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Like the House process, the Senate will now debate its budget. Senators have filed over 1,000 amendments for specific spending priorities, increases to line items, and other policy changes. Next week, the Senate will vote on these amendments and a final version of its budget.
ADVOCATING FOR A STRONG CREATIVE SECTOR IN MA
In partnership with the Mass Cultural Council, Sen. Paul Mark filed Amendment #171 to increase the Senate Budget line item for the Mass Cultural Council to $26,750,00 - matching the House version. Sen. Mark serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development and we are deeply thankful for his continued leadership and support for increased public spending for our creative community.
Additionally, Sen. John Cronin filed Amendment #322, which would add the Downtown Vitality Act to the FY25 Budget. The Downtown Vitality Act is part of the Creative Sector Agenda and would create a fund to support Cultural Districts, Business Improvement Districts, and Main Street Associations. MASSCreative and our partners at Mass Cultural Council, MassINC, and Metropolitan Area Planning Council are eager to see the Downtown Vitality Act passed this session.
WE URGE ADVOCATES TO CONTACT THEIR STATE SENATORS AND ASK THEM TO CO-SPONSOR AMENDMENT #171 AND AMENDMENT #322.
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