FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2008

Contact: Greg Liakos, Communications Director 617-727-3668 x343 or
Rob Watson, Communications Coordinator 617-727-3668 x268

HOUSE PANEL PROPOSES SLIGHT INCREASE FOR MCC
Agency Will Seek Amendment to Restore Funding for Cultural Facilities

(Boston, MA) The House Ways and Means Committee today proposed a state budget for the coming fiscal year that calls for a slight increase for arts and cultural funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). The Committee’s spending plan would increase MCC's appropriation by roughly $150,000 to just over $12.4 million for fiscal year 2009.

The Ways and Means budget did not include funding for the landmark Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund at this time. The House and Senate have appropriated $25 million for Massachusetts Cultural Facilities since the Fund was established in 2006. The MCC is working with its supporters in the Legislature to file an amendment to include continued support for the Cultural Facilities Fund.

The full Massachusetts House will debate the spending plan during the week of April 28, with the Senate scheduled to release its budget in May. The two chambers must then agree on a budget before sending it to the Governor for final approval. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

About the Massachusetts Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.

The MCC is committed to building a central place for arts and culture in the everyday lives of communities across the Commonwealth. The Council pursues this mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists.