Historical Society revises budget cuts

The Minnesota Historical Society says it's planning for an 8.6 percent cut in its budget, even though it will receive a $20 million boost from a new sales tax.

Voters approved the so-called "legacy amendment" to fund environmental and arts programs.

Historical Society director Nina Archabal says she believes the constitutional amendment prohibits the new money from being used to cover cuts in the society's operating budget.

Archabal says the cuts will not be as drastic as an earlier plan that estimated a 15 percent cut, but there will still be layoffs.

"That's the budget toward which we are planning. If more happens, or something different happens, we are going to have to plan towards that," said Archabal. "So at this point if nothing changes, a number of employees will recieve their notice in mid-June, and their employment will cease towards the first of July."

Archabal says she does not yet know how many people will be laid off. She says three historical site slated for closure will now remain open with limited hours.

Archabal says the Historical Society, like many other agencies, is waiting to see what Gov. Pawlenty will cut using his executive authority, which could change its budget once again.

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