2024 Legislative Session Begins

The 2024 legislative session kicked off yesterday amid a markedly different financial landscape. Unlike last year's $17 billion surplus, this year sees a $2.4 billion one-time surplus, masking underlying structural issues threatening its depletion. There's no ongoing surplus for tax cuts or new programs, signaling potential fiscal challenges ahead without changes in taxing or spending. Leaders are anxiously awaiting February's economic forecast for relief.

In terms of leadership changes, Senator Erin Murphy steps in as Majority Leader following Kari Dziedzic's resignation due to health reasons, while DFL State Senator Kelly Morrison's bid for a congressional seat adds another layer of significance to the Senate's delicate balance of power.

Economic uncertainties have prompted leaders to manage expectations, focusing legislative efforts on policy initiatives without significant costs and an $830 million bonding bill. A tax bill to rectify last year's oversights is the priority, followed by addressing controversies such as school resource officers.

The House and Senate Legacy Committees passed their biennial funding legislation in 2023.  Generally, once funded there is not another legacy funding package that occurs.  At times, there is some adjusting of dollars as circumstances change.  However, these adjustments typically occur in the other funding areas: outdoor heritage, water, parks.  We will continue to monitor both committees and stay in close contact with Senate and House Legacy Chairs Representative Leon Lillie (D-North St. Paul) and Senator Fong Hawj (D-St. Paul).

Calling All Arts Organizations!

Our friends at the Minnesota Arts & Culture Coalition (MACC), with help from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, are interested in how the arts and culture sector is faring in the current economy. The two organizations are continuing to partner on the Federal Reserve Bank-MACC Arts & Culture Survey – now in its third iteration – to gain insights on recent business activity and other metrics from organizations to better understand how the sector is faring in the current environment. The survey should take approximately 5 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. To maintain anonymity, please do not include any self-identifying information in any comments. Equally important, survey results will be shared with MACC members after the survey closes, helping everyone learn more about current conditions in the sector. (To learn more about MACC, visit https://mnartsandculture.org/ or email naomi.crocker@walkerart.org.)

Show Your Love for the Arts by Registering for Arts Advocacy Day on March 5th

Please join us in demonstrating your LOVE for the arts by attending an in-person Rally at the Capitol on March 5th. Recognizing that Minnesota's arts advocates are committed to more than just one day of advocacy, we're excited to offer a full week of opportunities for you to engage and showcase your affection for the arts.

Please join us in demonstrating your LOVE for the arts by attending an in-person Rally at the Capitol on March 5th. Recognizing that Minnesota's arts advocates are committed to more than just one day of advocacy, we're excited to offer a full week of opportunities for you to engage and showcase your affection for the arts.

SCHEDULE
 
Virtual Opening Rally (Via Zoom) 
MARCH 4th - 10 AM ONLINE
Opening Rally webinar to learn the “Message of the Day” and hear from arts-supportive legislators. Get facts and figures to make your case and get trained if you are a first-time advocate.
 
In-Person Capitol Rally and Legislative Meetings
MARCH 5th
Rally in the Capitol Rotunda - 10 a.m.
In-Person Legislative Meetings - 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
 
Virtual Legislator Meetings
MARCH 6th-8th
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
Virtual Meetings via Zoom will be scheduled for legislators who couldn’t meet during the in-person advocacy day.