TAKE ACTION: FY27 MASS. SENATE BUDGET
Advocates at the State House for Creative Sector Day 2025. Photography by Steph Craig Studios.
On May 5th, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released their FY27 Budget proposing $27.35M for the Mass Cultural Council (0640-0300) and a $25K honorarium for the Poet Laureate of Massachusetts.
In early May, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released their $63.3 billion FY27 Budget with a proposed 3.6% increase in spending over FY26. The Senate Ways and Means Budget included $27.35 million for the Mass Cultural Council, matching the Governor’s H.2 recommendations and final House appropriation. This 5% increase to the agency’s operating budget, a record-high appropriation, will support programs, services, and grantmaking for the creative sector through FY27.
The Senate Ways and Means Budget also makes critical investments for the arts and cultural sector that the MASSCreative Action Network has been advocating for, including $20.4 million for the State Aid to Public Libraries Program, $19.38 million for the State Aid to Regional Libraries Program, $2.09 million for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and $3 million for the District Local Technical Assistance Fund.
We have enjoyed consistent increases to the Mass Cultural Council’s budget in recent years because of increased advocacy from the sector, including advocates within the MASSCreative Action Network and leadership from the Mass Cultural Council and Mass Humanities. We shouldn’t take for granted that during an increasingly challenging budget year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, House, AND Senate have chosen to maintain strong investments for arts, culture and creativity in the state spending plan.
We’re grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Chair Paul Mark, and our elected leaders in the Massachusetts State Senate for leading again as champions for arts, culture, and creativity in Massachusetts.
TAKE ACTION BEFORE MAY 15TH
You can take two meaningful - and quick - actions before Friday, May 15th, to make an impact on the state budget.
ACTION #1: SEND A QUICK MESSAGE TO YOUR STATE SENATOR URGING THEM TO CO-SPONSOR AMENDMENTS #59, #87, #234, #255, #288, AND #823
These are the amendments we’re asking you to take action on:
#59 “Seasonal Communities Implementation” sponsored by Sen. Julian Cyr to earmark $175K in technical assistance for communities looking to implement the seasonal community designation - this includes seasonal artist housing.
#87 “Tourism Marketing and Promotion Campaigns” sponsored by Sen. Paul Mark to ensure regional tourism councils receive their allocated funding by October 1, 2026.
#234 “Public Libraries” sponsored by Sen. Nick Collins to increase unrestricted funding that libraries can use for their operating costs and purchasing materials by $200K.
#255 “District Local Technical Assistance” sponsored by Sen. Jamie Eldridge to increase funding for the District Local Technical Assistance program to $4 million for regional planning agencies to advance projects focused on cultural planning, housing, economic development, public health, climate, and more.
#288 and #823 “Community Mitigation Support” sponsored by Sen. Sal DiDomenico and Sen. Lydia Edwards to increase funding for the Community Mitigation Fund from 3% to 4% to support local public safety, transportation, and public health, particularly in environmental justice communities.
Use our form below to send them a quick email.
Email Your State Senator:
ACTION #2: SIGN OUR THANK YOU LETTER TO THE SENATE FOR CONTINUING TO CHAMPION ARTS, CULTURE, AND CREATIVITY IN FY27
Once you’ve sent your State Senator an email, make sure to sign our letter thanking the Senate for prioritizing investments in arts, culture, and creativity in FY27. This is a critical part of continuing and strengthening strong working partnerships with the State Senate. You can read the thank you letter in the dropdown and sign on as an individual or organization using the forms below.
Sign the letter as an individual:
Sign the letter as an organization:
