ADVOCACY MATTERS - CALL TO ACTION
Pennsylvania's House and Senate returned to session this week with 24 days left until Pennsylvania's budget turns into a pumpkin. The
Commonwealth's financial situation
is much better than it was last year at this time, and that should give legislators and
Governor Tom Wolf
some confidence as negotiations continue and election season approaches. Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Scott Wagner resigned from the Pennsylvania Senate last week to campaign full time, and Lt. Gov. Mike Stack announced early this week that there will be no special election to fill Wagner's post representing York County in the Senate. Even with Senator Wagner's seat remaining vacant, the Republican Senate Caucus maintains its 2/3 majority of the chamber.
The
Pennsylvania Museum Preservation Act
remains in the House State Government Committee awaiting action since it arrived there on January 31, 2018. The House State Government Committee met yesterday morning, and this bill was not on their schedule. To have any hope of getting this legislation to make progress, we need the bill to be discussed before the remaining budget discussions are completed.
Here's How You Can Help!
Please call, email, or send a letter to the House State Government Committee's Chairman
Daryl Metcalfe
. If your elected member of the House of Representatives is part of the
House State Government Committee
, please get in touch with them with the same message.
Here's What To Say:
On behalf of the (insert your organization’s name here) I am asking for your support of SB 775, The Pennsylvania Museum Preservation Act. This bill, now referred to the House State Government Committee, will provide of a consistent source of funding to support eligible and accredited museums and historical organizations in Pennsylvania.
(Insert some information about your organization and its impact on your community)
Museums and other arts and cultural institutions play an important role in our communities and in the well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. SB 775 provides an efficient, predictable source of funding for museums and community facilities. This would protect thousands of jobs in the tourism industry and would enhance the quality of life throughout the Commonwealth.
Thank you for supporting this important bill.
Sincerely,
Or
Tourism is the second largest industry in Pennsylvania. For too long, state funding for museums and cultural facilities has been hit-or-miss and organizations like (insert your organization’s name here) have been struggling to survive.
SB 775, the Pennsylvania Museum Preservation Act, would provide a consistent source of funding for museums and other vital community facilities. This means that we can preserve thousands of jobs in tourism - Pennsylvania’s second largest industry – and enhance the quality of life in the state. I ask for your strong support for this legislation when it is considered by the State Government Committee and by the full House.
Sincerely,
Your House members need to hear from you now! Please
let us know if you have participated so we can keep track of our effort. Thank you for joining us in the bringing more support behind this bill!