The Senate Ways and Means Committee released their FY25 Budget on May 7th. Their proposal recommends $25.5 million in spending for the creative sector through the Mass Cultural Council's line item (0640-0300). $25.5 million matches the Governor's recommendation in the FY25 Budget she filed in January. 

However, it is less than the House's final budget of $26,750,000 ($25.9 million for Mass Cultural Council grants and operations and $855,000 for earmarks for specific cultural organizations and programs). The House's version is a 3.58% increase for our state's arts agency. 

Senator Paul Mark, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, filed Amendment #171 to increase the Mass Cultural Council's line item to $26,750,000 - matching the House's budget. 

Additionally, Senator John Cronin filed Amendment #322, which would add the Downtown Vitality Act to the FY25 Budget. The Downtown Vitality Act is part of the Creative Sector Legislative Agenda and would create a fund to support Cultural Districts, Business Improvement Districts, and Main Street Associations. MASSCreative and our partners at Mass Cultural Council, MassINC, and Metropolitan Area Planning Council are eager to see the Downtown Vitality Act passed this session. 

TAKE ACTION TODAY
This week, we must encourage our State Senators to co-sponsor Amendment #171 and Amendment #322. Co-sponsorship is crucial to an amendment's success: the more co-sponsors it receives, the more likely the Senate will adopt it.

Use this form to share your support with your State Senator today.