Utah Museums Association

By Jayceen Craven Walker

The past legislative session was an interesting one as it always is. Two items of note before we cover the details: Senator Chris Buttars (R-West Jordan) resigned at the close of the session March 11 and Senator Dennis Stowell (R-District 28) passed away Sunday, April 17 after a battle with cancer. Replacements for both offices have not been finalized as of this writing.

We had a very successful Museum Day on the Hill, February 1, 2010 in partnership with the Division of Arts and Museums (DAM) and the Office of Museum Services (OMS). Attendance from all involved was estimated to be 250. We had many new legislators visit with their constituency as well as peruse the tables in the rotunda. Special thanks to Wendi Hassan from the DAM for her hard work on that day. Museum Day on the hill has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 31, 2012 so mark your calendars.

Now for the details of the session. This information was compiled by the UCA and myself:

• Competitive Arts Grants (DAM) was cut by $141,800.
• Arts Acquisition was cut by $60,000 (elimination), however $10,000 in one-time funding was found to keep the line item alive.
• Office of Preservation (State History) will be cut by $154,300. Philip F. Notarianni, resigned his position as of April 1 after 34 years at the Division.
• Library funding was reduced by $244,200
• Zoos were reduced by $100,400
• The news from State Parks is that no state park or museum will close this year. The legislature provided intent language that the Division of Parks Recreation use the $4,000,000 one-time General Fund appropriation be used to keep state parks open during FY 2012. We need to encourage people to visit these parks and voice their support.

In good news...

• Professional Outreach to Schools (POPS) was increased $213,000
• Informal Science Education Outreach Education (iSEE) was increased $304,500
• One time appropriations were allocated to the following from the Department of Community and Culture:
  - Living Planet Aquarium $2 million
  - Leonardo $200,000
  - Bear River Valley Historic Museum $50,000
  - Taylorsville War Memorial $100,000
  - Old Lyric Theater $50,000
  - Thanksgiving Point $1.5 million

Legislative Results: Bills Summary

HB51S1: School and Institutional Trust Lands was passed through both the Senate and House and was signed by the Governor on March 23.

HB287S2: Restructuring of the Department of Community and Culture, was passed through both the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor on March 29.

SB243S1: Historic Areas or Sites Amendments has passed both the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor on March 22.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Museum Day as well as talking with your elected officials about the importance of your Museum in their district. We could not do it without you.

Jayceen assists clients of Pathway Associates to create and implement comprehensive government relations strategies that address both immediate needs and long term goals. She has worked with Utah nonprofit groups and government organizations for over 19 years. Jayceen expertly navigates the complexities of State and Federal government, including rural regulatory agencies, county councils, State legislature and Federal Representation. She also has extensive experience in planning and executing educational program development and outreach, while securing community-wide support for these programs.