President’s 2013 Budget Proposes NEA Fund Increase

February 13, 2012
From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 06:12

President Obama sent his fiscal year 2013 budget proposal to Congress today, requesting an increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) from the 2012 level of $146 million to $154.255 million. According to the budget documents released by the White House Office of Management and Budget, the increase in spending would be shared by program grants with some growth in administrative expenses.

In each of the first two years of his administration, the president proposed funding for the NEA at $161.315 million. For 2012, the administration’s proposal would have cut the NEA funds back to $146 million, the level eventually set by Congress for the current year.

The FY2013 budget documents provide for continued support for the National Heritage Fellowships and the American Jazz Masters Fellowships. Both were proposed for elimination in the administration’s 2012 budget. Funding for the Our Town initiative would also continue in 2013.

NASAA will keep you up to date as further details are made available from the NEA on the 2013 funding plans.