Great News: House Legacy Committee Backs 47% for the Arts!

Late last week, the Minnesota House Legacy Committee—co-chaired by Rep. Samantha Vang and Rep. Joe McDonald—officially recommended MCA’s full request: 47% of Arts & Culture Legacy Funds to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Council System.

This is a huge win for Minnesota’s arts community—and a direct result of your advocacy and support as an MCA member. With the Governor, Senate, and now the House all backing our 47% ask, the message is clear: when we speak together, lawmakers listen.

In a time of national uncertainty—when federal funding for the arts and humanities is facing cuts and instability—your membership ensures we’re not only protected, but making progress right here in Minnesota.

Of course, we’re not across the finish line yet. But this latest development puts us in the strongest position we’ve been in all session.

We’ll continue to keep you updated every step of the way. In the meantime, thank you for being part of this movement—and for making sure the arts remain a powerful, funded force in communities across our state.

Reminder: Webinar on Arts Funding

Reminder that MCA has a webinar on arts funding scheduled for, Wednesday, April 16 at 11AM.

Join us to hear from:

• MCA Executive Director Sarah Fossen
• MSAB Executive Director Sue Gens
• MCA Lobbyists Joe Bagnoli and Tom Hanson

They will share essential updates on:

• Legacy Funding levels
• Budget projections
• The state’s misallocation of lottery funds—an issue that could directly impact your organization’s funding.

This must-attend session is essential for Executive Directors, Finance and Advancement leaders, Fundraisers, Policy & Public Affairs professionals, and anyone involved in budgeting. Understanding these financial and policy developments will help you prepare for potential shifts in state Legacy funding.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get the latest insights and ensure your organization is prepared.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you on April 16 at 11 AM!

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

Federal Arts Updates: April 2025

As developments unfold rapidly at the federal level, MCA is committed to keeping you informed. Here's the latest update, with details from our partners at Americans for the Arts:

In a major legal challenge, the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Here’s what’s happened so far:

Key Timeline of Events:

April 1, 2025:
Federal agencies began canceling active IMLS grants across the country.

April 3, 2025:
Termination notices were issued to nearly all IMLS employees on administrative leave—only 12 staff members were retained.

April 4, 2025:
Acting Director Jonathan Sonderling fired all 23 members of the National Museum and Library Services Board.

These actions mark an unprecedented federal rollback of support for arts, culture, and libraries.

What You Can Do

Now more than ever, your voice matters. Congress needs to hear from the arts and cultural community—urgently.

Call or write to your U.S. Senators and Representatives today.
Ask them to:

• Protect and increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
• Safeguard the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
• Stop the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

Your advocacy helps preserve critical support for organizations like yours—and for communities across Minnesota and the nation.

We’ll continue to share updates as they become available. Stay tuned, stay active, and thank you for standing up for the arts.

TAKE ACTION FOR FEDERAL ARTS FUNDING!