The California State Legislature voted Thursday to pass the 2017-2018 state budget with $3 million in new funding dedicated for the Armenian American Museum.

The new funding is in addition to the previously approved $1 million for the project, bringing the State’s total commitment for the Museum to $4 million.

“We are honored to have the continued commitment, partnership, and support of the State Legislature for the Armenian American Museum and what is going to be a historic cultural and educational center that will make all Californians proud,” stated Museum Governing Board Co-Chair Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

“We are grateful to Senator Anthony J. Portantino for championing the funding request, Senate Pro Tem Kevin de León and Budget Subcommittee Chair Richard Roth for making it a Senate priority, and all of the State legislators who voted for the budget,” stated Museum Governing Board Co-Chair Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian.

The 2017-2018 state budget now heads to Governor Brown’s desk for signature.