Legislative Update; What You Can Do

We’re pleased to be in dialogue with many of you as federal developments unfold in Washington, D.C. Thanks for always doing your part when we make individual calls for your assistance.

NASAA is closely monitoring all developments, including the administration’s decision to rescind grants to state humanities councils and its proposed reductions at the Institute of Museum and Library Services. In terms of the National Endowment for the Arts, (NEA) there is no news to report at this time. Please rest assured that NASAA is engaging directly with the administration and congressional leadership to advocate for the field, and we will keep you informed as we move forward.

What can you do now?

Although the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is currently front of mind, it’s important to lay a solid foundation of knowledge now that can inform decisions Congress will make this summer, after DOGE sunsets. For the short term, NASAA is engaged in advocacy in response to DOGE inquiries. However, working with Congress through the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process and beyond will likely be our best opportunity to get the long-term outcomes we want for the advancement of the National Endowment for the Arts.

In the meantime, the NEA is up and running and taking care of business. Grants programs are active. The agency just released some exciting new economic data, and it’s running incredible programs for veterans, while celebrating this year’s Jazz Masters. New Creative Economy State Profiles are available. Let’s be sure to elevate these achievements through our social media channels and beyond. This level of advocacy and information sharing is critical as we move forward.

At this moment, important and useful actions you can take are:

  • Advocate for state support for the arts. Continuity of state funding is especially important at a time of economic uncertainty.
  • Respectfully convey to Congress how the NEA has a significant, positive impact on your state’s communities. This return on investment extends way beyond the arts community and benefits your state’s economy, improves school success for children, facilitates good health, brings communities together and celebrates our heritage.

Thanks for your work to share these important messages.