Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

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

End Of Legislative Session Looms

While many Massachusetts residents are enjoying some summertime fun, the wonks, political junkies, and policy nerds at MALC are counting down the days to July 31. That’s when the current state legislative session ends and our representatives and senators get a chance to relax in their districts (unless they have to deal with an election opponent).

Any bill that doesn’t make it past the goal line by August will have to be re-filed at the start of the new legislative session in early 2015. Several bills we’ve been following are still in play to get passed before July’s end. Here’s the low down:

  • An Act Relative to Cultural Facilities Grants (S.1624): This bill was favorably reported by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development and subsequently discharged by the Joint Committee on Rules. It now sits within the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Resolve Establishing a Commission to Study Art in Public Spaces (H.3000): This resolve was reported favorably by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. It now sits within the Joint Committee on Rules.
  • An Act Relative to the State House Architect (H.3811): This bill was favorably reported by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development and subsequently discharged by the Joint Committee on Rules. It now sits within the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • An Act Protecting the Commercial Value of Artists, Entertainers, and Other Notable Personalities (S.1630): This bill was passed by the Senate and currently sits within the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • An Act to Create the Position of Poet Laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (H.2999): This bill was favorably reported by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development and subsequently discharged by the Joint Committee on Rules. It now sits within the House Committee on Ways and Means.

MALC supports all of the bills above.

Please help us give one last push in hopes of getting them passed this legislative session. Simply reach out to the offices of your state representative and state senator.

Don’t know who your representative or senator is?
Find out here: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.aspx.

Once you’ve got their names, find their contact information here: https://malegislature.gov/People/Search.

And stay informed on all legislation impacting the artists’ community and creative economy by visiting the Artists Under the Dome legislation page here: http://artistsunderthedome.org/legislature.html

Thank you for your help!