Senate Poised To Restore MCC Funding

The Massachusetts State Senate voted yes today for a key amendment for the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) funding within its “Yes Bundle.” Amendment 457, filed by Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives, increases MCC funding from $9.6 million to $12 million.

It was done by “yes-bundle,” which means the Senate is in agreement on the fate of a number of amendments and votes on them in one vote; i.e. places them in a bundle.

Amendment 447 which allows extended liquor licensing hours for municipalities serviced by the MBTA’s Late-Night Service, was also placed in this yes bundle. This is another milestone vote that was spearheaded by artists and arts friendly Future Boston Alliance.

The MCC is a crucial part of our state’s creative sector and its funding is vital. The Governor and House budget proposals both cut MCC funding to $9.6 million. The next step in the budget process  is for the Senate to have a vote of their final version of budget that includes all the adopted amendments. MALC thinks this will occur late tonight.

The Massachusetts State House is a public building that is open to the public while its legislative bodies are in session. Residents are encouraged to attend the budget proceedings tonight or view them via the online “Senate Cam.”

If would like to check on the fate of other budget amendments, see this link:

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2015/Senate/ChamberActions

After the Senate votes for its final version of their budget, a conference committee will be appointed by both the House and Senate to iron out the differences between the Senate and House budgets. The agreed upon budget will then be sent to the Governor for executive approval.

Remember that only the Senate budget had the outside section for a STEAM Advisory Council, while the House budget had a STEM advisory council. And the House version still only funds the MCC at $9.6 million, so there will be an upcoming need for advocacy!

So stay tuned!