West Virginia House Bill HB217

West Virginia 2024 2nd Special Session

• Introduced: 9/30/24
• Refer: 9/30/24

Caption

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Department of Arts, Culture, and History, Division of Culture and History

Impact

The enactment of HB 217 will provide much-needed financial resources to the Department of Arts, Culture, and History, thereby impacting state laws relating to cultural funding. By supplementing appropriations for fiscal year 2025, the bill enables the state to invest in programs and projects that celebrate and preserve West Virginia's culture. This is expected to foster economic development within the arts sector and boost tourism through cultural initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 217 aims to supplement and amend the appropriations of public funds from the unappropriated surplus in the State Fund, General Revenue. Specifically, it allocates additional funding to the Department of Arts, Culture, and History, supporting initiatives designed to promote the arts and cultural efforts within West Virginia. This bill is particularly focused on ensuring the continuation and enhancement of cultural projects that contribute to the state's heritage and community engagement.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 217 appears to be generally positive among supporters who recognize the importance of arts and culture in enhancing community identity and economic growth. Stakeholders in the arts community advocate for such funding as essential, especially in a time when cultural institutions may face financial hardship. However, some concerns may arise regarding prioritizing funds amid competing budgetary needs.

Contention

While the bill received support due to its focus on culture, there may be contention surrounding the overall state budget and how funds are allocated. Discussions may include the effectiveness of funding allocations and whether sufficient priority is given to the arts compared to other sectors. The bill's passage depends on navigating legislative priorities and building consensus on the importance of arts funding.