PAST ACTION: HOUSE MASS WINS ACT OUTCOMES
Ami Bennitt, co-founder of the #ARTSTAYSHERE Coalition, leading a session on protecting creative workspace at the 2026 Creative Sector Summit. Photography by Ethan de Aguiar.
On July 8, 2026, the House voted 148-2 to pass their economic development bond bill (H.5562).
In early July, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed their version of this session’s economic development bond bill, referred to as the “Mass Wins Act.” H.5562 is a $561 million bill filled with policies and bond authorizations to further the state’s economic interests.
The MASSCreative Action Network encouraged advocates to contact their state representatives and urge them to co-sponsor the following amendments to support the creative sector:
#357 “Grow and Maintain the Creative Economy,” filed by Rep. Dan Cahill to include the Creative Space Act, one of the MASSCreative Action Network’s priority bills this session.
#78, “Adding Massachusetts Cultural Council to grant administration,” filed by Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development House Chair Sean Garballey to add the Mass Cultural Council as administering partners for a new capital grant program supporting arts, culture, and the creative economy.
#136, “Cultural Facilities Fund Eligibility Expansion,” filed by Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development House Vice Chair Steve Owens ensuring that all primarily cultural municipal facilities and tribal government-owned facilities are eligible for Cultural Facilities Funds.
#303, “Contracting of Digital Replicas,” filed by Rep. Tackey Chan to require a performer’s informed consent in executing a contract for any transfer of rights of that individual’s likeness or voice.
#78 was the only amendment that was successfully adopted into the House’s Mass Wins Act.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ADVOCACY EFFORT & THE MASS WINS ACT
Learn more about the Mass Wins Act, economic development bond bills, and what bond bills are by reading our blog:
