Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Dorsey, President Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Request for State Action - Override Veto on Senate Bill 1065 - Economic Development Baltimore Symphony Orchestra - Funding and Reporting
For the purpose of calling on the Maryland General Assembly to override the Governor's veto and pass Senate Bill 1065 - Economic Development - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra - Funding and Reporting - as passage of this bill ensures the continued existence and success of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
body
Recitals
Whereas, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ("BSO") was founded by the City of Baltimore, in 1916, for the citizens of Baltimore, and bears the distinction of being the only major orchestra in the United States established as a municipal entity;
Whereas, The BSO performs the highest quality symphonic music, of all eras, that nurtures the human spirit and is committed to engaging, inspiring, educating, and serving its audiences, in a fiscally responsible manner, and contributes to making the State of Maryland a cultural center of vitality and importance;
Whereas, The BSO is internationally recognized as having achieved a preeminent place among the world's most important orchestras and is acclaimed for its enduring pursuit of artistic excellence, while maintaining deep bonds in Maryland through innovative education and community outreach initiatives;
Whereas, The BSO's OrchKids program, offering music instruction, homework tutors, after-school snacks, and dinner to more than 1,300 children in Baltimore City, is a vital community partner for many students and aspiring musicians;
Whereas, In 2019, the General Assembly authorized the Workgroup on the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, which was charged with finding examined a path forward for the BSO, and, in its final report, recommended that the State provide additional monetary support for the BSO over the next 5 fiscal years;
Whereas, The City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland must not lose this important cultural institution;
Whereas, Senate Bill 1065 - Economic Development - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra - Funding and Reporting - passed the House of Delegates, with a vote of 103-29, and the Senate, with a vote of 42-3; and
Whereas, The Governor vetoed the bill on May 7, 2020.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council calls on the Maryland General Assembly to override the Governor's veto and pass Senate Bill 1065 - Economic Development - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra - Funding and Reporting - as passage of this bill ensures the continued existence and success of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Honorable Chairs and Members of the Baltimore City House and Senate Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.