The Minnesota Historical Society 2009 Legislative Agenda:
Biennial Operating Budget
Updates
- June 30, 2009: All Minnesota Historical Society Museums and Historic Sites Open for Summer Season
In May the Minnesota State Legislature passed and the Governor signed an 8.6-percent reduction in the state's funding for the Minnesota Historical Society's operating budget. Due to this cut, along with a decrease in revenues, the Society will reduce hours at some historic sites and museums statewide beginning July 1, but all will remain open to the public. Hours are effective through Labor Day 2009.
Background
Outdoor and Cultural Legacy Amendment
Updates
- August 4- A message from the Director
Read a message from Nina Archabal, director of the Minnesota Historical Society. Reprinted from the July/August 2009 History Matters member newsletter.
- July 22nd- MHS Legacy web page established
The Minnesota Historical Society has established a web page containing updated information on Legacy appropriations. Please visit the site for any questions or comments.
- May 22nd- Governor Pawlenty signed the Legacy Act appropriations bill
This bill appropriates funding for the constitutional amendment approved by voters on November 4, 2008. It provides significant funding for history programs, both those conducted by the Minnesota Historical Society as well as partner organizations that also carry out history programs across the state. In all, the legislature appropriated $22 million in Legacy funds for history programs for the 2010-11 biennium.
Please take a moment to thank your legislators for all of their work on the Legacy Amendment.
Background
During the 2008 legislative session, the Outdoor and Cultural Legacy Bill was approved and placed on the November general election ballot. The constitutional amendment asked Minnesota voters to increase the state sales tax by 3/8ths of a percent and dedicate the revenue to the outdoors and cultural heritage.
In the final language of the bill, it was decided that 19.75% of the additional sales tax revenue would be dedicated to the arts and cultural heritage, which would include funding for Minnesota history. At current estimates, there could be close to $50 million of additional revenue available to be used for the preservation and enhancement of state history, culture, and arts.
With the constitutional question passing on the support of over 56% of all Minnesota voters, it was very clear that citizens supported the purpose and intent of the Legacy Amendment.
In order for future generations to enjoy Minnesota's rich history and cultural heritage we need to invest today.
Currently, the Minnesota History Coalition has recommendations to guide legislators in their decisions on the Arts and Cultural Heritage portion of the Legacy funds.
- Read the Minnesota History Coalition’s recommendation for Legacy Amendment funds.
Historic Preservation Tax Credit
- May 18- Tax credit not included in final tax bill
Despite a great grassroots effort, joining a strong coalition of organizations working on a package of job creation measures, and some strong support from key legislators, the historic tax credit proposal was not included in the last Tax Bill passed by the legislature before they adjourned for the year. However, this year provided the tax credit a lot more visibility than in previous years.
Even with this disappointment, we intend to work on this income based historic tax credit next year with the hope of joining 30 other states that provide such assistance for historic preservation projects.
Please take a moment to thank your legislators for their consideration. You can find out information about contacting your legislator here.
Background
A coalition of historic preservation advocates, local history organizations, local governments and developers have been actively promoting legislation that would allow a credit on state income taxes equal to 25 percent of the qualified cost of a historic rehabilitation of residential or income-producing properties. The proposed legislation is similar to an existing federal tax credit and provisions in over 29 other states. It would encourage private investment in historic properties in both urban and rural Minnesota, generating jobs and stimulating economic development.
In recent legislative sessions this coalition has advocated for the passage of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit but it has failed to pass. Given the economic climate this proposal is more important than ever since it help to create much needed construction jobs, while helping to preserve the identity of communities statewide.
How to Help
The Minnesota Historical Society seeks to serve the people of Minnesota with the help of a generous appropriation from the Legislature and the Governor. As a leading historic and cultural institution in Minnesota, adequate funding to the Society provides a significant and lasting investment for all Minnesotans. Costing less than $5 per citizen annually, the interpretive impact of the Society’s activities can be seen statewide from educational programming for students and teachers, collections, public programs, and historic sites.
1. Now is the time to take action to support history! Contact the following people and thank them for supporting history:
- Governor Tim Pawlenty
- Your legislator
- Members of the House and Senate Capital Investment committees.
Thank you for your efforts!
2. 
Become
a Member
3. Purchase "History
Matters" Products
4. Learn
about the Issues The Minnesota Historical Society tracks
issues that impact history around Minnesota.
5. Subscribe
to the History Matters e-newsletter so that you are
aware of the latest news at the Legislature regarding the Minnesota
Historical Society.
6. Visit
the Minnesota Historical Society's 25 Historic Sites and Museums. Take
some time to visit your place in history.
7. Educate
your friends and family about why history matters to you. Encourage
them to get involved in the Society.
8. Make
a Donation
9. Volunteer
at the Minnesota Historical Society. Volunteering is
a great way to meet people who share your love of history and to
have fun!
*Making an Appointment with your Legislator
1. The
first step is to identify your state legislators. All you need is your
address. Search
for your legislator. A quick click on your legislators' names will
provide you the appropriate contact information.
2. Now that you
have your legislators' phone numbers, simply call and speak to one of their
friendly staff members to schedule a visit. Appointments are typically
set in 15-minute time slots.
3. Not sure what to say when you
arrive at your meeting? Read Tips for Meeting
with Legislators.
