Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

MCC Director Anita Walker’s Important Letter about the Budget Process

MALC is a strong supporter of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and the important work its does for our community. The MCC has been a key collaborator with MALC on our annual Artists Under the Dome Event at the State House and has consistently supported MALC’s policies and priorities.

MALC would like to share a letter from Anita Walker, Executive Director of the MCC, that addresses the State Budget process.

Please note, the State Budget process is a long one. It is critical that advocates, and citizens for that matter, understand how “bundling of amendments” work in the budget process. Please see MALC’s recent blog posts on bundling and the state budget process:

(via the Massachusetts Cultural Council newsletter)

MCC newsletter header

Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to take a moment to reach out to you as we reach the midpoint of the process that will deliver an FY17 budget to the MCC.

I know that there is a good deal of anxiety and disappointment at where we stand right now. It may feel like your advocacy efforts are not effective.

But in fact, your vigorous advocacy convinced more than 100 legislators to sign on to an amendment to increase the House FY17 appropriation. The number in the House as a result moved from $10 million to $12 million.

That is not as much as we asked for, and it is less than the budget we have this year. But we are just in the middle of the process. Now we must take our efforts to the Senate and work hard to pull that number up to the $17 million that we have built into our five-year plan.

We have many friends in the House who stand by us every year and who truly appreciate the work that you do. The energy they put into fighting for the MCC, and many other issues for which they are responsible, is not always reflected in every outcome.

As we continue through state budget process it is important that we continue to share stories of success and impact with our legislators and help them make the case on our behalf.

Let’s keep our eye on the prize as we head to the Senate. Always thank our allies for their sincere efforts. And let’s unleash our enthusiasm on our Senate allies in pursuit of a restored budget for the MCC and an appropriate investment for the arts and culture in Massachusetts.

Sincerely,

Anita Walker signature

Anita Walker
Executive Director
Massachusetts Cultural Council

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