Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

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

Conference Committee Budget is Out

This morning, the Conference Committee released its budget which will be voted on this afternoon by the Massachusetts House and Senate. Lawmakers can not change this budget or add amendments to it. They can vote  yes, no, or abstain from voting on it.

To view the Conference Committee budget and see what amendments made it into the budget and to learn about the budget process:  https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee

The next step after this vote is that this budget goes to the Governor. He can veto line items and sections of it and if he so chooses add language/propose changes.

Information on three key items MALC was following in the budget process:

1. The Massachusetts Cultural Council Budget- line item 0640-0300- had a slight cut in its funding from its current level. The final amount for the MCC in FY18  budget is 13,950,699.  (The Governor’s budget funded the MCC at  $14,307,229, the final FY18 House budget funded the MCC at $12,075,699, and the Senate final FY18 budget funded it at $16,500,000)

2.  There was no change to the State’s Film Tax Credit Program. (The Senate’s budget had this change and it did not get adopted into this budget.)

3.  The Percent for Art Program that was included in the Senate final budget did not make it into this this Conference Committee Budget. (Note there is legislation  to establish the Percent for Art Program that is making its way through the legislative process- thus this program could still be established -so stay tuned as they say.)

On Monday, MALC will provide additional analysis of this budget- ie what fate befell the libraries, tourism sector, etc.

 Important Reminder

Please take the “By Artists For Artists” state-wide survey for Massachusetts artists of all disciplines! MALC needs your answers to help us better advocate for our community!

The survey can be found at http://www.artistsunderthedome.org/

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