Countdown to Session: House Legacy Committee Announced

12/16/2024

Legacy Amendment Feature Secondary

House Legacy Committee Announced

New House Legacy Finance Committee Members Appointed

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) welcomes the recent appointments to the House Legacy Finance Committee, announced last week. This committee plays a critical role in overseeing the allocation of funds from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, a key component of the Legacy Amendment passed by voters in 2008. A portion of the state's sales tax revenue is designated for this fund, which supports arts organizations, individual artists, and cultural initiatives throughout Minnesota.

Many of the newly appointed members of the House Legacy Finance Committee have previously served on the committee, bringing with them a deep understanding of the process and a history of supporting the arts. MCA looks forward to working with these legislators to ensure that Legacy dollars continue to support and enrich Minnesota’s vibrant arts community.

The House Legacy Finance Committee Members

(Pictured with DFL members across the top and GOP members across the bottom.)

The House Legacy Finance Committee Members

(Pictured with DFL members across the top and GOP members across the bottom.)

The House Legacy Finance Committee Members
(Pictured with DFL members across the top and GOP members across the bottom.)

Legacy DFL Members:
Rep. Samantha Vang (38B)
Rep. Samakab Hussein (65A)
Rep.Ethan Cha (47B)
Rep. Huldah Hiltsley (38A)
Rep. Leon Lillie (44B)
Rep. Jay Xiong (67B)

Legacy GOP Members:
Rep. Joe McDonald (29A)
Rep. Roger Skraba (03A)
Rep. John Burkel (01A)
Rep. Tom Dippel (41B)
Rep. Josh Heintzeman (06B)
Rep. Bjorn Olson (22A)

Where does this Committee Fit into the Process of Funding the Arts?

Once Legacy dollars are collected through the sales tax, they pass through a specific legislative process before reaching arts organizations and artists. The funds first go to the House and Senate Legacy Finance Committees, where they are reviewed, debated, and prioritized. These committees hold hearings and make recommendations on how the funds should be allocated. The recommended budget then moves to the floors of the House and Senate for approval. After both chambers have agreed on the funding distribution, the money is passed to the Minnesota State Arts Board, which manages grants to arts organizations and individual artists statewide.

National Public Opinion Survey on the Arts Released

Earlier this month, Americans for the Arts (AFTA) unveiled the results of its Americans Speak Out About the Arts survey, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. The study, one of the most comprehensive of its kind, offers a revealing look at Americans' attitudes toward the arts and culture, underscoring the deep connection between the public and the arts.

Key findings from the survey include:

80% of Americans Engaged with the Arts Last Year: Nearly 80% of Americans attended, visited, or watched an arts or cultural event in the past year, demonstrating the arts' integral role in daily life across the nation.

70% of Americans Support Local Government Funding for the Arts: A significant majority of Americans—70% locally, 66% statewide, and 66% federally—strongly support government funding for nonprofit arts organizations and community-based arts programs. This broad backing highlights the public’s belief in the importance of investing in the arts at all levels of government.

76% of Americans Consider the Arts Personally Important: 76% of Americans consider arts and culture personally important, citing the arts as a source of joy, well-being, and creativity that enriches their lives.

72% Agree the Arts Help Unify Communities: 72% of Americans agree that the arts provide shared experiences that bring together people of diverse races, ethnicities, ages, and beliefs, illustrating the arts’ power to strengthen communities.

92% of Americans Support Arts Education for Every Student: Despite this, only 52% feel that students have enough opportunities to participate in arts classes, highlighting a gap between public support and availability.

These compelling numbers not only reflect the widespread appreciation of the arts across the country but also emphasize the critical need for continued public investment in this vital sector.