May 14, 2024
South St. Paul Croatian Hall to Receive $195,000 of Legacy Cultural Heritage Funds
SAINT PAUL, Minn. –South St. Paul’s Croatian Hall is set to receive $195,000 in cultural heritage funds under a provision included in the 2024 Legacy Budget bill. The provision, authored by Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul), provides $195,000 for restoring and operating the hall as a community gathering space and preserving the history and cultural heritage of Croatian immigrants in Minnesota.
Rep. Hansen presented the bill in the Legacy Finance Committee on Wednesday, March 27, and was joined by Croatian Hall President Tony Biljan and Manager Tom Buchan, who testified in support of the bill.
“Founded in 1919, the Croatian Hall was a space for new immigrants working at stockyards and meat-packing houses to come together. Today, it continues to serve as a gathering place and a reminder of the contributions of the Croatian-American community,” said Rep. Hansen. “As a longtime supporter of and visitor to the Croatian Hall, I was proud to work alongside President Biljan and Manager Buchan to get this bill across the finish line this year.”
The House passed HF 4124, the 2024 Legacy Budget Bill, as amended by a conference committee report, last Thursday evening on a vote of 115-13. The Minnesota Senate followed suit and passed the bill 43-24 on Monday. It now heads to the Governor for final signature.
In 2008, Minnesotans voted 56% to 44% to pass the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution. The amendment increased the sales tax by three-eighths of one percent and dedicated those funds to protecting and enhancing our state’s outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, arts, and cultural heritage. Since 2009, the Legacy Amendment has generated nearly $4 billion in funding for projects.
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