Council hears budget and legislative updates; approves agenda and prior minutes

Senior Director of Public Affairs Bethann Steiner told the Executive Committee the Agency fared well in the Governor's H2 budget proposal, which included a proposed 5% increase and referenced the $27.35 million figure the Agency is seeking. She said the House Ways & Means proposal was expected the next day and that staff stand ready to work quickly on amendments and secure sponsors if the Council needs to pursue additional funding steps.

Steiner said the Agency has proposed a $25,000 funded earmark for the Massachusetts Poet Laureate and that legislation to broaden eligibility for the Cultural Facilities Fund to include municipal and tribal entities is being advanced as a technical amendment in coordination with Senate leadership. She reported a positive meeting with Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues and said the Senate budget is expected in May.

On procedural matters the Committee approved the minutes of the February 11, 2026 meeting (motion by Julie Wake; second by Vice Chair Jo-Ann W. Davis; roll-call noted two absences and the motion passed unanimously) and later approved the amended May 19 agenda (motion by Jo-Ann W. Davis; second by Julie Wake; roll-call noted two absences and the motion passed unanimously). Chair Ché Anderson adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Next steps: Staff will monitor House and Senate budget actions and be prepared to move amendments; the out-of-state travel policy will be drafted for presentation and a vote at the May meeting.