PRINTER'S NO.
1516
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
207
Session of 2011
INTRODUCED BY M. SMITH, ELLIS, BISHOP, BRADFORD, CALTAGIRONE,D. COSTA, CUTLER, FABRIZIO, GEIST, GIBBONS, GILLESPIE,HARKINS, JOSEPHS, KIRKLAND, KORTZ, MANN, MURPHY, MURT,PAYTON, PETRI, READSHAW, SAINATO, SHAPIRO, K. SMITH, WAGNERAND WHITE, APRIL 11, 2011REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, APRIL 11, 2011A RESOLUTIONDirecting the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee toresearch and evaluate Commonwealth funding of Pennsylvaniamuseums.WHEREAS, Museums have been established to preserve anddisplay scientific, artistic or historical artifacts for theenjoyment of all citizens, and in doing so, they have suppliedresidents with educational opportunities while documenting ourhistory for future generations; andWHEREAS, According to the Pennsylvania Federation of Museumsand Historical Organizations, this Commonwealth is home to morethan 1,000 museums of all types and sizes, ranging from largeurban museums in the cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, tosmall structures in the most rural portions of thisCommonwealth; andWHEREAS, Regardless of their size, location or collection,Pennsylvania museums offer valuable educational and recreationalopportunities to residents of all ages; and
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WHEREAS, In addition to the traditional educational fieldtrips provided to students, many public and private schools alsoinclude museums in their professional development training forteachers, and museums also serve as a valuable educationalresource for home-schooled children in the State; andWHEREAS, Scores of families visit museums annually becausethey provide low-cost, family-friendly recreational andeducational opportunities, and these visits stimulate andpromote lifelong learning for all residents, regardless of age;andWHEREAS, Pennsylvania museums also provide a significantboost to the economy through the influx of revenue from tourism;andWHEREAS, According to the United States Travel Association,visitors to cultural and historical sites such as museums stay53% longer and spend 36% more than other types of tourists; andWHEREAS, A nationwide study of museums by the AmericanAssociation of Museums estimates that museum admission feescover only one-third of museum operating costs; andWHEREAS, While private donations are the largest source ofrevenue for museums, they also rely on funding from governmententities for about 25% of their operating costs, according tothe study; andWHEREAS, Museums in Pennsylvania have historically receivedState funding from the General Fund budget, nonpreferredappropriations and grant programs; andWHEREAS, In recent years, significant cuts have been made tomuseum funding by the Commonwealth, including the elimination ofthe Museum Assistance Grant Program in fiscal year 2010-2011;and20110HR0207PN1516
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