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Proposed bill secures future funding for 4Culture, hearing today

A state bill that would secure the future for 4Culture’s arts, heritage and preservation funding programs dropped in the House last Friday. Without legislative action, the state credit on lodging taxes that support 4Culture’s programs will sunset for cultural use in 2012, resulting in a 90 percent cut in 4Culture’s funding and programs as early as next year. Many Seattle arts, culture and heritage organizations recieve support from 4Culture.

A hearing for HB 1997 is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., today in the O’Brien Building, Room A, at the state capitol in Olympia.

According a to a King County press release, the proposed legislation introduced by Rep. Tina Orwall, “would reinvest four revenue streams currently dedicated to Safeco Field and Qwest Stadium to support arts and cultural programs; expand the Washington State Convention Center; establish workforce housing to help workers such as those employed in the hospitality, service, arts and related industries; and support other projects that spur tourism countywide and generate economic benefits.”