Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
A bipartisan group of legislators has proposed a bill that would increase funding for tourism, arts and culture initiatives in Connecticut to $58.5 million, up from its current level of $21.4 million for 2022-23.
The bill, HB 6321, is co-sponsored by state Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) who said that tourism, arts and culture have proven to have a significant return on investment.
“It's a more significant state investment than we've seen in the past, but if it pans out, as we would anticipate, a $58 million investment could bring a $175 million return on investment,” Cohen told the Hartford Business Journal.
Cohen said the increased funding is feasible and could be obtained by increasing the percentage of revenue from various taxes -- including the hotel occupancy and car rental taxes -- that is allocated for arts, culture and tourism.
For example, one possibility would be to increase from 10% to 25% the portion of the hotel lodging tax that is set aside for arts, culture and tourism.
Also, Cohen said funding could come from gambling tax revenue, which has been yielding higher amounts than anticipated.
No tax rates would be increased and the funding request comes as Connecticut is experiencing another budget surplus and has a fully funded rainy day fund. That’s prompted several calls for individual and business tax cuts, including from Gov. Ned Lamont.
The arts and tourism money would likely benefit the state’s marketing campaigns, museums and entertainment venues, Cohen said.
The General Assembly’s Commerce Committee is crafting the language of the bill and is expected to schedule a public hearing.
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Learn moreHartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeDelivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Hartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Delivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments