Stairstep Foundation appropriation for African American cultural festivals and events

This bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Stairstep Foundation. The funds are specifically for supporting African American cultural festivals and events, with allowable uses including infrastructure, permits, staffing, programming, and safety costs. The appropriation is one-time and directs the funds through Explore Minnesota's director to the foundation. It directly affects the Stairstep Foundation as the recipient and the African American cultural events it organizes. The bill creates a concrete funding mechanism without altering broader policy or law.