Serrano Arts Bill Signed into Law

On November 8, 2019, Senator Serrano's bill to establish an arts "check-off" option on the State personal income tax return was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The bill (S.3570), which passed the State Senate in April, would allow taxpayers to make a voluntary gift to the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).

"The arts make New York one of the most dynamic cities in the world and are a robust economic engine. This law empowers New Yorkers to support the arts by simply checking off a box on their state tax return to make a contribution to NYSCA, which provides grants for cultural organizations and institutions."

The 2019 State budget included $43 million to support local arts, museums and other cultural organizations. Other arts and culture bills sponsored by Senator Serrano include, S.179, which would require public schools to report on compliance with art education instruction requirements, and the Museum Education Act (S6819), which would design a program that offers competitive grants to cultural institutions like museums, arts institutions, historical societies, nature centers, zoos, botanical gardens, and aquaria.