Budget Amendment ID: FY2014-S3-290-R4

4th Redraft ECO 290

SUSPENSION OF TOURISM FORMULA

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting the following new Sections:-

“SECTION _ .  There shall be a tourism formula commission to examine the distribution of funds in the Massachusetts Tourism Fund.  The commission shall review and evaluate the current funding formula and determine if any revisions are necessary for achieving a fair and equitable funding formula that will ensure funding is cost-effective and that funds are distributed in the most cost-effective manner to the office of travel and tourism, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, the tourist promotion agencies listed under section fourteen of chapter twenty-three A of the General Laws, the Cultural Facilities Fund and the Massachusetts international trade office.

The commission shall file a report with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the senate and house committees on ways and means, and the joint committee on tourism, arts and cultural development not later than May 1, 2014. The commission shall hold 1 or more public hearings before issuing said report.

The commission shall consist of the following members or their designee: 3 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be the senate chair of the joint committee on tourism, arts and cultural development, who shall serve as co-chair of the commission, and one of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader; 3 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be the house chair of the joint committee on tourism, arts and cultural development, whom shall serve as co-chair of the commission, and 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader; and 3 persons to be appointed by the governor. The commission shall convene not later than 60 days after the effective date of this act."