As you may know, this is a blog of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and our budget is primarily determined through an appropriation by the state legislature. There’s a whole process to this, including budget recommendations released by the governor and later on the House and the Senate.
Today, the Senate Ways & Means Committee released a proposed state budget for the coming fiscal year that would significantly cut state support for the arts, humanities, and sciences through the MCC.
The Senate Ways & Means Committee recommends $7.45 million for MCC for fiscal year 2012. That would cut $1.65 million, or 18 percent, from the agency’s current budget and would represent a cumulative cut of 41 percent to arts and cultural funding since 2009. Read the full press release.
The good news is that Senator Eileen Donoghue of Lowell will file an amendment to restore MCC funding to this year’s levels.
Here’s what you can do now: Contact your Massachusetts Senator. Urge her/him to support the Donoghue amendment.
Then, follow the continuing process by visiting our Advocacy Action Center, where you can also find tips for making the case for arts and culture.
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