Cultural group funding proposed

Several cultural organizations have a better idea of what their budgets might look like now that a $142.8 million omnibus bill has been introduced.

Sponsored by Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown), HF2229 would provide money to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, Minnesota Historical Society, Science Museum of Minnesota and others. The funds expected from the Legacy Amendment — the three-eighths of 1 percent sales tax increase passed by state voters last November — are expected to come forward in the next few weeks.

“Our task was not an easy one,” Murphy said April 1 during the House Cultural and Outdoor Resources Finance Division, which she chairs. “It’s not what we all wished for, but it’s the reality of the day.”

While cuts were made in almost every area, some were not cut as much as in the governor’s budget proposal.

Things of note for the 2010-11 biennium include:

• $45.3 million for the Minnesota Historical Society, which Murphy said is a 7.15 percent reduction;

• $33.2 million for public libraries;

• $20.6 million for Explore Minnesota Tourism, including money for the Snowbate film program;

• $19.06 million for the Arts Board, which includes money for grants and art councils;

• $3.9 million for public broadcasting, which includes public television and Minnesota Public Radio; and

• $2.37 million for the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Amendments to the bill are scheduled to be heard April 6. There is no Senate companion.