Updated April 11, 2025
There are several bills proposed this session to use the proceeds from 1% of the Meals Tax to fund Arts, Culture, and Tourism at an increased level.
- These bills propose using a portion of 1% of the Meals Tax to be used towards Arts, Culture, and Tourism. This proposal recommends $5 million for the arts, $5 million for culture, and $12 million for tourism marketing. CT Arts Alliance, CT Humanities, CT Tourism Coalition, and CT Retail Association are advocating for these bills.
- SB 1551, An Act Concerning the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Spending on Arts and Humanities Activities
- Appropriations Committee Bill
- Read the bill here.
- SB 1456 An Act Dedicating a Portion of the Meals Tax Revenue to Arts, Culture, and Tourism
- Commerce Bill
- Read the bill here.
- HB 7176 AAC Sales and Use Taxes Related to Certain Vehicles and Aircraft Industry Joint Ventures, The Dedication of a Portion of the Meal Tax Revenue and the Dues Tax Threshold
- Finance Committee Bill
- Read the bill here.
HB 5504 An Act Concerning Funding for the America 250 Semiquincentennial Initiative
- This bill temporarily increases the lodging/hotel and car rental taxes and directs those revenues to an America 250 | CT account that is in alignment with the budget CT Humanities has created with our arts and tourism partners and shared with legislators.
- Read the bill here.
HB 6864 An Act Adjusting the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2027
- The Governor’s proposed budget eliminates funding to nine organizations in the “Various Grants” line item in the Tourism fund and reduces funding to 30 earmarked arts and culture organizations by 17.5%.
- In a nine-hour public hearing, CT Humanities joined many other arts, culture, and tourism organizations in providing testimony against reduction in arts and culture funding.
- Review the proposed budget here.
