Ormsby and Billig back potential MAC funding solution

OLYMPIA – A bill introduced today in the state House of Representatives provides a ray of hope for Spokane’s Museum of Arts and Culture and its supporters. 

Known locally as “the MAC,” the museum is facing an uncertain future as a result of the state’s budget shortfall.  Co-sponsored by Rep. Andy Billig (D – Spokane) and with the support of Rep. Timm Ormsby (D – Spokane), the bill would divert fees slated for construction of a Heritage Center in Olympia towards a new Department of Heritage, Arts and Culture.  The Department would oversee three state museums that are currently in jeopardy, including the MAC.

“The MAC is much more than a museum.  It hosts educational programs and community events, houses regional archives and library materials, and is the heart of the Browne’s Addition neighborhood,” Billig said.  “I’ve heard from many constituents who are extremely concerned that this valuable resource could be mothballed and they are questioning, as am I, why we should build a new museum in Olympia rather than protect those we already have.”

Ormsby, who is vice chair of the House Capital Budget Committee and sits on the House Ways and Means Committee, thinks the measure is a good bipartisan solution to one of the many tough decisions lawmakers are facing this year.

“It allows us to keep the MAC open and serving Spokane’s community without taking money away from other essential state services,” Ormsby said.

The bill will have a public hearing one week from today, on March 31, at 8:00 a.m. in Olympia.  Despite the early start time, Billig and Ormsby hope that ardent supporters of the current state-funded museums in Spokane, Tacoma and Olympia will turn out to testify in favor of the measure.

Spokane-area residents who wish to testify in person or submit written testimony are welcome to contact Rep. Billig’s office either via email at Andy.Billig@leg.wa.gov, or by phone at 360-786-7888. 

The bill number is HB 2033, and the March 31 public hearing will be before the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Affairs.