Some tourist attractions and agencies in Western Massachusetts are facing tough budget choices after Governor Charlie Baker announced spending cuts this week.
Among the cuts: $100,000 for the Western Massachusetts Sports Commission, which works to attract sporting events to the region. It’s part of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. President Mary Kay Wydra said the commission will cut back on advertising, and its members will have to skip a national trade show.
“We’ll make the necessary cuts,” Wydra said. “Is it going to hurt? Yeah. We’re not going to fold up the tent and go away, but…it’s going to make our job that much harder to attract people here.”
Earmarks were also cut for other Springfield-area organizations, including $200,000 for the planned Dr. Seuss Museum, $400,000 for the city’s Urban League and $50,000 for the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The governor’s cuts total nearly $100 million. They include reductions in spending on health care, the State Police, parks and recreation, senior care, and eliminated funding for a postpartum depression pilot program, a Down Syndrome clinic and a suicide prevention account.
Update at 4:51 p.m.: In tweets on Wednesday, Massachusetts’ legislative leaders said they may move to restore some of funding.
Depending on Dec #s, we’re considering a supp budget. I’m particularly focused on programs that help the neediest among us. https://t.co/5AES03X88Y
— Speaker Bob DeLeo (@SpeakerDeLeo) December 7, 2016
I look forward to working with @SpeakerDeLeo on restoring funds to programs which support our neediest. #mapolihttps://t.co/l6LkOi7L6g
— Stan Rosenberg (@SenStan) December 7, 2016
The State House News Service contributed to this story.
Editor’s note for full disclosure: New England Public Radio was also affected by the cuts.