Division of Arts: tax-credit program forms finalized, three staff rehired via federal grant; federal match limits apply

At the Fiscal Committee meeting on Oct. 17, the Division of Arts at the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources told senators that the tax-credit program authorized in the recent budget is now actionable: forms have been finalized with the Department of Revenue and the division has re-hired three of six previously laid-off staff using a recent federal grant.

A senator asked for an update on the division's efforts to recruit organizations and individuals willing to participate in the new tax-credit fundraising program. Adele Cecilia, director for the Division of Arts, said the program materials have only recently been finalized and staff outreach is just beginning; she asked the senator to restate whether the question sought a general program update or a fundraising plan. Cecilia said the program was authorized in the last few weeks and that formal outreach was starting now that the forms and administration materials were in place.

A senator asked whether funds raised under the tax-credit program could be used as federal-match dollars for grants. Cecilia replied that private funds raised under the program are not acceptable as federal match; federal grant programs expect state dollars within the agency receiving the award to serve as match. The senator suggested that, where private funds are raised through the tax-credit program, the division consider asking the Legislature (joint fiscal) to allow those private funds to replace some state appropriations so state dollars could then be used as the federal match. Cecilia accepted the suggestion and agreed to stay in contact with the requesting senators and interested volunteers.

The committee adopted item 25-2-52 for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources after the presentation and questions.