DIYA: 9c Cuts

In November, Governor Deval Patrick used his “9c” authority to enact emergency budget cuts throughout executive branch agencies.* Here is a link to the letter regarding this cuts he presented to the legislature: http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/state-budget/fy15-budget-info/fy15-budget-cut-information/governors-fy15-9c-filing-letter-.html

Last week, Governor Charlie Baker took office and immediately put 9c cuts on the table.
The state faces a revenue shortfall in its current budget estimated between $70 million – $750 million. Here’s a breakdown of the rationale behind the shortfall estimates: http://www.wbur.org/2015/01/14/budget-shortfall-explainer.

Cuts to arts and culture funding are a real possibility. As advocates, we understandably want to oppose any cuts to our sector’s funding and always push to increase it. We will, however, need to understand the fiscal realities behind dealt with by Governor Baker and the legislature if we are to advocate appropriately and effectively.

MALC will keep an eye on any cuts to arts and culture funding within the context of the entire state budget. We’ll figure out which funding battles to fight and which ones to leave alone. Stay tuned for all the details on budget cuts that would directly impact our sector.

*9c cuts are so-called from the section in the state law that gives the governor such authority: http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=9CAuthority.html

Written by John Weeks with contributions from Kathleen Bitetti