Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

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

Results: MA Legislature overrides MCC and MOTT funding vetoes

By week’s end, both the MA House and Senate overrode two key vetoes by Governor Baker so as to fully restore funding to vital arts and culture services.

Here are those results:MA state seal

  • Restore the FULL funding for the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) back to $14.6 million  (line item  0640-0300). The final votes in favor of the MCC override were 153-2 in the House and 38-0 in the Senate.
  • Vote to override the Governor’s veto to restore funding for Massachusetts Office of Tourism & Travel (MOTT) back to $14.6 million (line 7008-0900). House 146 – 8, Senate 34 – 2.

Neither the House nor the Senate took up the issue to strike the Governor’s amendments to the Massachusetts percent for art program (MPAP) – SECTION 28, Chapter 7C of the General Laws – but to maintain the Governor’s amendment making it a statewide program.

Link to explain the Governor’s changes to this program: http://artistsunderthedome.org/malc/news/governor-baker-amends-the-ma-percent-for-art-program-mpap/

Overall, this is great news for our arts and culture sector.

Please take time in the coming week to call and email your state senator and representative to thank them for supporting the arts!

To find out who your State Senator and Representative are and how to contact them:
http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.aspx