We wanted to follow-up last weeks Arts Action Week update with a video update from the event earlier this month.
There is still a way to take action for the arts!
Even if you were able to attend Arts Action Day 2024 in person, I encourage you to take a moment to send a letter to your local legislator using MCA's system. It's essential to express our gratitude for their support of the arts during this legislative session. Additionally, consider sharing your personal story about why the arts matter to you. If you've benefited from a grant, don't hesitate to inform legislators about its positive impact on you and your community. Make it authentic and share your story!
MCA is busy at the Capitol this year and we wanted to give you an update on the legislation we are following:
Legacy Funding Bill
The February Forecast, which came out on February 29, revealed that in the balance in the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was available to be appropriated this year was $12.2 million. Attached is a document that shows the balances in each of the funds: Legacy Funds - Forecast
In 2023, the legislature appropriated the biennial funding for the Arts, Parks, and Water funds for the biennium. The legislature also appropriated dollars from the Outdoor Heritage fund for the first year of the biennium. Thus, it was expected that the legislature would make appropriations for the second year this year for the Outdoor Heritage fund. It is increasingly becoming likely that the legislature will also pass a second year additional appropriations from the other three funds. We are pleased to report that the Senate Bill (SF 5116), released last week, continues to recommend our ask of the 47%. MCA will continue to watch this legislation as it makes its way through the legislature.
Ticketing / Taylor Swift Legislation
Legislation was introduced in 2023 to address what many saw as bad acting on the part of secondary ticket sellers that made it difficult and exorbitantly expensive to obtain Taylor Swift tickets. This legislation is progressing this year, and will provide a number of protections to venues and primary ticket sellers. This legislations appears poised to be enacted into law sometime in the next few months.
National Update
We also wanted to share with you an update from our National Partners at Americans for the Arts (AFTA).
FY24 APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE
Last week, Congress passed the second and final bipartisan package of remaining and long overdue FY24 appropriations bills (covering 10/1/23 to 9/30/24).
Considering the contentious political climate on Capitol Hill, there is considerable good news with key arts-related agency and program budgets remaining unharmed at level-funding; the removal of such conservative House Freedom Caucus policy riders as eliminating funding for the arts and embassies program within the State Department; and the inclusion of first-time new funding being added for community (arts) engagement programs within the Department of Defense. Text of this final 6-bill minibus can be found at: bit.ly/Final6Minibus24
Congratulations to arts advocates across the country who helped make this success happen this year!
Thank you for continuing to be the best advocates for the arts in the nation!
Sarah Fossen
Executive Director
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
Video produced by Adrian Wilson at Bryson Studios
Photo Credit: All pictures taken during the rally at were taken by Nathan Reiman.
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