Last summer a Legislative Task Force on Heritage Vitality was charged with finding solutions to the operational and fiscal issues facing heritage organizations across the state. At the top of the list, they recommended re-authorization of the Cultural Tax Credit.

Task Force members included two Oregon Cultural Trust statewide partners – Oregon Historical Society’s Executive Director, Kerry Tymchuk and Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator, Kyle Jansson.“Task Force members are united in the belief that Oregon’sheritage and historic museums are of tremendous value to the citizens of ourstate,” says OHS Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk, who chaired the Task Force.“We believe that the adoption of our recommendations will continue andstrengthen the tremendous economic, educational, and cultural benefits providedby heritage organizations and museums.”

The Task Force also recommended the Legislature return to its practice of stable appropriations to the Oregon Historical Society, adopt legislation directing the Department of Revenue to establish a permanent Oregon heritage fund check listing on the state income tax return, and adopt legislation designating an Oregon Heritage Week or Month.

In addition to these recommendations, the Task Force encouraged heritage organizations to use the best practices in conserving and developing heritage resources. These practices include educating communities about the benefits of the Cultural Trust, and participating in the county, state or tribal grant programs related to the Cultural Trust.