GOV PROPOSES MCC BUDGET CUTS

This in from Dan Hunter, Executive Director, Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences, & Humanities:

Governor Proposes a Budget Cut for the MCC

Facing a predicted $1.3 billion budget deficit, Governor Deval Patrick’s proposed budget, known as House 1, will effectively cut the Massachusetts Cultural Council appropriation by $700,000. Technically, his budget proposes level funding for the official MCC line items. However, last year’s budget included a last-minute increase of $700,000 intended for the MCC budget but inserted into the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism budget, thanks to MAASH advocacy and support from key legislative leaders. We applaud the Governor for his clear intention to maintain state cultural funding through the MCC during tough fiscal times; however, we will urge the Legislature to restore the $700,000.

With so many other state agencies being cut, maintaining a level funding in the traditional line items for arts and culture signals continuing support for the MCC by the Governor.