Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

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

FY20 MA House Budget Debate Results

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Last week, the Massachusetts House finished its debate on its FY20 Budget. The next step of the budget process will be the State Senate’s Ways and Means Committee releasing its proposed budget in mid-May.  In the House budget debate, MALC was actively following the proposed budget amendments to the House budget which are listed below.

To learn about the state budget process see this link:
 https://malegislature.gov/Budget/

The amendments MALC was following:

  • Amendment #337 State Aid to Regional Libraries by Rep Natalie Higgins (see Amendment #863 below)
  • Amendment #863 State Aid to Regional Libraries by Rep Alice Peisch- These two amendments were identical and passed. However, the increase was less than what the two amendments proposed for this line item ($11,516,000). The final House Budget language: And further amend said section 2, in item 7000-9401, by striking out the figure “$10,384,961” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $11,484,961; 
  • Amendment #339 State Aid to Public Libraries by Rep Natalie Higgins (see Amendment #1352 below)
  • Amendment #1352 State Aid to Public Libraries by Rep Nika Elugardo-These two amendments were for the same line item. However, the final budget increase was more than what the two amendments proposed for this line item. The final House Budget language: “And further amend said section 2, in item 7000-9501….And further amend said item by striking out the figure “$9,456,327” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $10,024,327;
  • Amendment #588 Regional Tourism Grant Timing by Rep Paul Tucker-This amendment failed to pass.
  • Amendment #745 Regional Tourism Councils Promoting & Marketing Our State by Rep Bruce Ayer – This amendment failed to pass.
  • Amendment #1001 Film Tax Credit – This amendment was withdrawn (thus no link to the bill). The amendment sought to put a cap on the film tax credit, however, House leadership has always given strong support for keeping the current bill as is. See “House nixes gas tax hike, film tax credit cut“.

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you up-to-date coverage on the state budget process.

Do you know how to contact your legislator?
https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator