The Minnesota Historical Society 2010 Legislative Agenda
6th Annual History Matters Day at the Capitol
Minnesota’s annual rally for history
President’s Day, February 15th, 2010
The Minnesota Historical Society is excited to invite you and your family to the Rotunda of the historic State Capitol to show your support for history.
Highlights of the Day:
- Displays and information on Minnesota’s history and historic sites, including ongoing activities and those related to the new Legacy Amendment
- A noon-time rally for history
- Hands-on kids activity
- Opportunities to meet with your Legislators to tell them why History Matters!
- Free parking and shuttle to the Capitol will be provided from the History Center between 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Free Passes to the History Center for those that attend the noon rally!
- Read the Key Messages for the Day at the Capitol (PDF)
For questions or more information please contact Jackie Swanson at 651-259-3130 or jackie.swanson@mnhs.org
Capital Budget Request
For the 2010 Legislative session the Society has put in a capital budget request of $18.07 million from the State of Minnesota for the upkeep, maintenance, and construction of facilities on the Society’s 26 historic sites and museums. This request is not only important for preserving and enhancing history in Minnesota, but will also serve as an economic stimulus through the jobs and investment these funds will make into the local community.
The Capital Budget request of the Minnesota Historical Society - the Society has requested funding for:
o Historic Sites Asset Preservation ($6,713,000): This request would allow the Society to preserve significant buildings in the state’s Historic Sites Network, and includes buildings at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum, Fort Snelling, Fort Ridgely, the Forest History Center and many, many others.
o Oliver Kelley Farm Revitalization ($9,857,000) will enable Minnesotans to learn about agriculture and farming, past, present and future. The request is for a remodeling and expansion of the Kelley Farm Visitor Center.
o County and Local Historic Preservation Grants ($1,500,000) - these grants enable county and local governments to preserve their most significant historical structures for future generations.
Please write to your legislator and the Governor, asking them to support the Society’s capital budget request.
Outdoor and Cultural Legacy Amendment
Updates
- January 15, 2010- Report to the Legislature
On January 15, the Society released its first report to the Legislature and Governor on activities carried out with support from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund in this first year of the Fund’s existence. Due to the short amount of time since the passage of the first legacy appropriation bill, we consider this first report to be an interim or progress report. Society staff members have dedicated many, many hours to planning and implementing educational programs, grants and partnerships to deliver Minnesota history across the state, at the History Center, at historic sites and via the latest forms of technology.
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.
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.
