Governor Murphy introduced the FY22 New Jersey State Budget proposal on February 23 containing increased annual appropriations for the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the New Jersey Historical Commission, the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, and the New Jersey Cultural Trust. All totaled, $20.7 million signifies an almost 60% increase in state funds to help these sectors supercharge New Jersey’s economic recovery.

Now is the time to thank Governor Murphy for proposing these significant increases that honor A3101, a bill he signed last year designating minimum annual appropriation levels of $31.9 million for cultural projects, $5.5 million for historical organizations and projects, $17.6 million for tourism promotion, and $720,000 for arts and cultural projects funded by the NJ Cultural Trust.