“This is a critical investment in vital jobs across the Commonwealth,” said Anita Walker, MCC Executive Director. “We are very grateful to our leaders in the Senate who recognize that the cultural sector is a key part of an economic engine that will return prosperity to the Commonwealth.”
The state Senate last night returned $4.3 million to the budget of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), reducing a proposed cut to arts and cultural funding for the coming fiscal year.
The Senate plan now calls for an appropriation for MCC of $9.7 million – roughly $2 million less than the House of Representatives approved in its version of the FY 2010 state budget last month. The two chambers will now have to reconcile their spending plans in a conference committee before sending their budget to the Governor for approval. The new fiscal year begins July 1. The state appropriation for MCC in the current fiscal year is $12.65 million.
The vote to restore arts and cultural funding through MCC came after the Senate approved an increase in the sales tax to help offset a steep decline in state revenue caused by the current economic downturn. The House approved a similar measure in its budget.
Click here to find and contact your elected officials about these proposed cuts!
Do you have an item you would like to share about the creative economy? Suggest a Post to Berkshire Creative!
