Legacy Bill Passes: MCA Secures Major Win for the Arts

We’re thrilled to share breaking news: the Legacy Bill has officially passed, and with it comes a significant victory for Minnesota’s arts community—47% of the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund will go to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Council (MSAB/RAC) system over the next biennium.

This was MCA’s top legislative priority—and we got it done.

This year’s fight was among the most grueling in recent memory. Amid a tough economic climate and a newly discovered state accounting error that reduced available Legacy dollars in year one, MCA worked tirelessly to safeguard arts funding. Thanks to that work, allocations in year two increase significantly—ensuring that essential support for artists and organizations across the state remains strong over the full biennium.

The numbers tell a story—but so does the advocacy.

Late Sunday night, the bill passed in the House with an overwhelming 113 votes (see below), backed by strong bipartisan support. Lawmakers spoke powerfully about the impact of the arts across Minnesota. Co-Chairs Rep. Joe McDonald (R) and Rep. Samantha Vang (DFL) led with distinction, but the real momentum came from you—our members.

In the Senate, led by arts champion Sen Foung Hawj, the Legacy Bill also received bipartisan support, but it was a closer vote than in the House. (Votes below.)

MCA also successfully defended the Arts & Culture Fund from being overrun with unrelated projects, ensuring that Legacy dollars continue to support the work they were constitutionally intended to: investing in Minnesota’s vibrant arts, culture, and history.

This is what your MCA membership makes possible. Your engagement, your calls, your support of this organization, it’s what powers victories like this.

We’re incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. And we’re even more energized for what’s ahead.

Legacy Bill Highlights:

• MCA worked to secure 47% over the next biennium for the MSAB/RAC system.
• Due to a state accounting error (dating back to the beginning of Legacy), the Arts & Culture Fund will see reduced revenue in year one, but those numbers increase significantly in year two.
• MCA helped protect the Arts & Culture Fund from being diverted to unrelated projects, keeping the focus on what Legacy was created to do.

Special thanks to our legislative champions: Rep. McDonald, Rep. Vang, and Sen. Hawj (pictured above from left to right), who worked tirelessly to uphold the intent of the Legacy Amendment and the power of arts funding.

What happens next?
The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature, which we expect soon. But our work isn't over, MCA continues to monitor other important legislation that may impact the arts, including the State Government bill. Look for further email updates from us as other legislation progresses over the coming days.

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