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    [post_date] => 2023-03-13 14:51:00
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => President Proposes Modest FY2024 Funding Increase for NEA
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    [post_date] => 2023-03-07 10:58:34
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    [post_content] => This week, President Biden is expected to release his budget request to Congress for fiscal year 2024. While not a binding document, the President's budget is an important first step in the budget process as it communicates to the legislative branch the initiatives and programs the administration would like to see funded. It is also an important marker regarding the value and emphasis the President plans to place on the arts.

Last year, the President proposed increasing the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) budget to $203.5 million, which was $23 million above the agency's level at that time. The House chose to further raise that figure to $207 million in its end-of-year spending package. This year, the circumstances are quite different. Not only is the nation still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, but inflation has the administration very worried about the impact of federal spending. This worry is enhanced by the fact that the Republican Party has assumed control of the House of Representatives and will likely be expressing their concerns about the administration’s handling of the economy.

For us at NASAA, the release of the President's budget is also an important start to our advocacy season. Once the funding levels are proposed, the House and Senate Appropriations committees begin the process of writing and then approving budget bills for every agency in the federal government. Our role will be to support as robust a figure as possible for the NEA while also sustaining continued support for the federal-state partnership, which allocates 40% of NEA grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

When the President's FY2024 budget has been released, we will be in touch to report the news and offer our counsel about how to effectively engage Congress as we enter this critical phase in the process.
    [post_title] => Attention, Advocates: President's FY2024 Budget to Be Released
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    [post_modified] => 2023-03-08 16:04:35
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    [post_date] => 2023-02-01 06:49:06
    [post_date_gmt] => 2023-02-01 11:49:06
    [post_content] => The new congressional term got off to an eventful start in January, as the country witnessed the House Republican Caucus debate, and ultimately select, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as the speaker of the House. While the process didn’t go the way McCarthy had hoped, it was certainly a clear insight into what we might have in store over the next two years. As is often the case when each chamber of Congress is controlled by a different party, Congress isn’t expected to be particularly active, at least with regard to legislation. The discord that seems to exist in Congress, however, could have a significant impact on the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and state arts agencies, as it is looking more and more likely that passing traditional appropriations bills will be challenging in this new political environment.

Fortunately for all of us as arts advocates, the leaders of both parties selected to spearhead the committees charged with setting the NEA’s annual budget are seasoned professionals, many of whom have a track record of supporting the agency. The leaders of those committees are:

Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chair
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ranking Member

House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee

Mike Simpson (R-ID), Chair
Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Ranking Member

The composition of this committee and its leadership are paramount to the success of all of us in increasing federal support for the arts. These members will be in charge of setting the NEA’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and perhaps even more importantly, defending that number behind closed doors, in what looks to be a very difficult fiscal climate. It is also worth noting that these members not only have a track record of support for the arts, but are deeply familiar with the value of the federal-state partnership, which directs 40% of the Endowment’s grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

As always, NASAA will monitor the plans of this new Congress as it begins the FY2024 appropriations process. If you are represented by one of the leaders mentioned above, I encourage you to reach out to their office now to discuss their goals for the upcoming year, and to urge their continued support for the NEA and state arts agencies.
    [post_title] => NEA's Prospects in New Congress
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    [post_modified] => 2023-03-08 16:04:20
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    [post_date] => 2023-01-03 17:02:49
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    [post_content] => Members of Congress returned to Washington last week to begin their new term. Unlike the previous two years, which saw the Democrats in control of both legislative chambers and the White House, the Republicans will assume power over the House of Representatives for the first time since 2018.

Single-party control had allowed the Biden administration and Democratic leaders a relatively smooth pathway to enact huge components of their policy agenda. Over the past two years, Congress was able to pass a large stimulus bill, infrastructure legislation, a bill supporting the manufacturing of semiconductor chips and a climate package.

Expectations for similar accomplishments in the next two years are certainly muted. The Republicans, understandably, will attempt to draw policy distinctions from that of the Biden administration, as both sides gear up for the 2024 presidential election.

As advocates, we at NASAA have spent a lot of time thinking about how we can advance policies to support the arts in this new environment. While passing ambitious policy changes may be difficult, there are certainly opportunities to advance issues we care about. In recent years, we have seen steady, if at times modest, increases in funding for important arts programs. Not only has funding for the National Endowment for the Arts increased each year, but so, too, have budget lines for arts education programs and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, to name a few of interest to arts advocates.

I am cautiously optimistic that we can continue to see this progress made because of the incredible work done by all of you to make the arts a truly bipartisan issue. In Congress today, we have stellar champions on both sides of the aisle who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that funding for the arts is maintained. This support was the result of a concerted and long-term effort to build relationships with these members.

With the new Congress beginning this week, I ask that you take a moment over the next few weeks to contact your elected officials—whether they are beginning their first term or their 20th—to touch base, reestablish your line of communication and urge them to support funding for the Arts Endowment and the federal-state partnership in the coming year.

This outreach is always hugely valuable, but especially so in a year like this one, where Congress is divided and there are many new members who bring their own priorities to Washington. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this—and if you learn anything interesting from your conversations, please feel free to drop me a note and let me know about it!
    [post_title] => Let's Continue the Momentum for Federal Arts Funding
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    [post_modified] => 2023-02-01 15:00:11
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    [post_date] => 2022-12-22 14:44:00
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Senate Approves End-of-Year Funding Bill, Increases NEA Budget
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    [post_date] => 2022-11-01 13:41:31
    [post_date_gmt] => 2022-11-01 18:41:31
    [post_content] => On November 8, elections will be held for every seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the U.S. Senate. These elections, often referred to as the midterms because they occur at the midway point of the President's term, are significant, not only because they will determine control of the legislative branch, but also because they are viewed as an important bellwether of the incumbent President's political party. Despite a series of successes, including passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS (Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors) Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, there is no doubt that President Biden and his Democratic colleagues, who currently control both the House and Senate, face difficult headwinds. Historically (since World War II), the President's party has lost an average of 26 seats in the House and four in the Senate in the midterm elections.

Also, adding to the challenges for the Democrats' hopes in November is their razor-thin margins in both chambers. In the Senate, Democrats and Republicans are evenly split at 50-50, with the vice president serving as the tie-breaking vote. In the House, Democrats have a four-vote majority. Thus, even a modest swing in the Republicans' favor could allow them to assume control of Congress. While polls have varied, the consensus view heading into the election is that the Republicans will win back control of the House of Representatives, while the Democrats will retain (and may slightly expand) their majority in the Senate.

What all of this might mean for the arts is unclear. So far, the Biden administration has used Democratic control of Congress to implement its policy agenda. Should Republicans win control of one or both chambers, we will see a clear shift from a legislative approach to enacting policy toward a regulatory approach. Also complicating matters is that the threat of government shutdowns and/or fights over the debt ceiling will increase, as Republicans and Democrats square off with one another.

As arts advocates we will need to be proactive following the election, meeting with new members of Congress and reestablishing relationships with those returning. We are fortunate that the arts have been able to weather similar swings in political power in recent years, because of the concentrated effort made by all of you to diligently build inroads. I want to thank you all for being so diligent in building these inroads. As you think about how best to approach your legislators following the elections, please do not hesitate to contact NASAA with any questions. We are here to help.

 
    [post_title] => Congress Awaits the Midterm Elections
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    [post_date] => 2022-10-13 17:20:31
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Recent Executive Order on the Arts
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    [post_date] => 2022-09-30 12:58:31
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Congress Approves Short-Term Funding Bill
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    [post_date] => 2022-09-13 17:46:37
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    [post_content] => Following a shortened August recess that allowed Congress to pass the President's signature legislative achievement thus far, the Inflation Reduction Act, Congress returned to session this week. Greeting those members upon their return is the pending deadline for fiscal year 2023 appropriations. Current funding is set to expire at the end of this month, and while efforts have been made to pass a full funding bill for the upcoming year, it is increasingly likely that Congress will have to resort to a short-term continuing resolution in order to avoid a government shutdown, as considerable work must still be done to prepare that bill for passage.

An example of the type of work that remains can be seen regarding the funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The House proposed and passed a funding level for FY2023 of $207 million, whereas the Senate has thus far offered $195 million. Both figures represent an increase over the agency's current level of $180 million, but the delta between the two chambers is yet to be resolved.

Of course, we as arts advocates are doing everything we can to win the Senate's support for the House's figure, including meetings with members of the Appropriations Committee. To fuel these efforts, we encourage you to contact your senators to urge that they support funding for the Endowment at the House's proposed level of $207 million. State arts agencies are in an especially advantageous position to make this request: since 40% of all grant dollars allocated to the NEA go to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations, we can draw a direct correlation between federal funding and the services we provide at the state level.

If you have not spoken to your senators already, I would encourage you to think specifically about how additional federal funding to your agency would allow you to deliver even greater impact for your community. This is the type of information that helps senators and staff advocate for the NEA, as every dollar spent to increase funding for the arts must be offset by a reduction to another domestic spending program.

Thank you again for your tremendous efforts on behalf of the NEA. I have no doubt that it has made a huge impact and will continue to do so moving forward.

 
    [post_title] => How to Convince Your Senators to Boost NEA Funding
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    [post_date] => 2022-08-02 14:33:46
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    [post_content] => As we reported late last month, the House of Representatives passed a series of funding bills for fiscal year 2023, including the Interior and Related Agencies bill, which includes the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). In that bill, the House approved increasing the agency's budget to $207 million. The legislation also reiterates Congress's long-standing support for the federal-state partnership, which allocates 40% of the NEA's grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. With the bill now passed out of the House, the Senate will take up the bill, with hopes of passing it before current funding expires on September 30.

The Senate took the first step toward doing so when its Appropriations Committee released its draft, proposing $195 million. While not as high as we had hoped, this funding would increase the Endowment’s funding level by $15 million. It is clear that the NEA, and the arts generally, continue to enjoy strong bipartisan support in both chambers in Congress. But we as arts advocates must continue to make a compelling case to the Senate for why an increase in funding to $207 million is warranted. State arts agencies are in a unique position to make this argument, because you work closely with the NEA to ensure that funding reaches every congressional district in the country. This fact allows us to make a point that few can: regardless of which congressional office you are meeting with, you can say that federal funding directly supports their community.

With Congress about to begin its August recess, now is the perfect time to reach out to your senators and request a meeting or conversation. All will have set aside some time back home to meet with constituents. Whether you are able to meet in person or are contacting a member of their staff, this interaction is critical. We expect the Senate to be working on the appropriations bills over the month of August, so that it can attempt to pass at least some of the funding bills before the end of September. It is also quite possible that Congress will be forced to pass a continuing resolution to fund the federal government, should an agreement not be reached. Either way, this work is happening over the next few weeks, and this is when you can have maximum impact.

A second point that is worth noting is that there were several amendments offered in the House of Representatives this year that would have limited funding for the Arts Endowment. While those amendments were easily defeated, the fact that they were offered is a stark reminder that, while the NEA does enjoy strong, bipartisan support, there are members who will be working against us, and it is important to be vigilant.

As always, I continue to be grateful for your persistence. The fact that the House approved such a significant increase for the National Endowment for the Arts while the country is still grappling with a pandemic, facing economic uncertainty and supporting the war in Ukraine is a testament to your efforts.
    [post_title] => House FY2023 NEA Increase: Encouraging, but More Work to Do
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    [post_title] => Senate Proposes NEA Increase for FY2023
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    [post_date] => 2022-07-27 08:03:42
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => House Passes NEA Increase for FY2023
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    [post_date] => 2022-07-12 15:11:17
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    [post_content] => Congress returns to session this week, following a break for the Fourth of July holiday. Greeting the members is an ambitious priority list. Before they adjourn at the end of the month, Democratic leadership hopes to be able to pass a trillion-dollar stimulus bill that will focus on several priorities critical to President Biden, including climate and prescription drug reform, negotiating a bipartisan agreement on a wide-ranging bill aimed at onshoring manufacturing jobs that currently reside in China, and making significant progress on the fiscal year 2023 appropriations bill.

That last item is a primary focus for arts advocates, as we are all urging the Congress to, at a minimum, endorse the President's budget proposal for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which would raise funding for the agency from its current level of $180 million to $203.55 million. We were quite pleased when the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee not only met that number but exceeded it, approving $207 million. We at NASAA are grateful for this strong showing of bipartisan support, particularly to Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and David Joyce (R-OH) for their hard work.

While this news is obviously exciting, it is important to note that approval by the House committee is just the first step in a long process. The bill must now be approved by the full House of Representatives, and the Senate will design its own proposal. Last year, the Senate was not willing to match the House's larger proposal for the NEA, though it did recommend an increase.

Therefore, if you have not done so, I would strongly suggest that you reach out to your two senators and urge them to support funding the NEA at at least the House-approved figure of $207 million. It is important for each senator to hear from their constituents that support at this level will be recognized and appreciated. As always, in making this request, I suggest you make the following points:

 	
First, thank them for supporting an increase in funding for the Arts Endowment in last year's budget.
 	
Next, urge them to support matching the House's proposal of $207 million. In doing so, please convey our gratitude that Congress continues to endorse the federal-state partnership that allocates 40% of all grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. Remind your senators that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that strengthens every city, town and rural community nationwide.
 	
Finally, take the opportunity to update their offices about developments within your agency. Next month, the Senate will take its longest recess, not retuning to D.C. until after Labor Day—and this break is the ideal time to invite your senators and their staff to visit your agency or attend an exciting or meaningful arts event. It's also a natural way to relay just how valuable federal investment in the arts is to their community.

I want to thank all of you for your continued support for the NEA. Should you have any questions as you prepare for this outreach, please do not hesitate to let me know.
    [post_title] => House Advances Funding Increase for NEA
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    [post_title] => House Proposes $207 Million for NEA in FY2023
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    [post_date] => 2022-06-06 16:43:58
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    [post_content] => This week, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson appears before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies. While seemingly routine, this appearance by Dr. Jackson is anything but, as it marks the first time in recent history that the chair of the Arts Endowment has been invited to testify before Congress to discuss the agency's budget.

The hearing also serves as a critical step in introducing Dr. Jackson and her vision for the NEA to members of Congress. This introduction comes at an important time. The Biden administration has requested a fiscal year 2023 increase in funding for the NEA to $203 million. In supporting this ask, the chair endorses the federal-state partnership that allocates 40% of the agency's funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

While congressional support to fund the NEA remains strong, and bipartisan, there is no question that Congress is facing pressure to address economic concerns posed by inflation and the war in Ukraine. Therefore, we as arts advocates need to remain vigilant and continue to press our case to lawmakers about why federal investment in the arts is so important.

Chairman Jackson's testimony lays out a cogent argument, highlighting the fact that the federal-state partnership not only allows NEA funding to reach all 435 U.S. congressional districts, but also contributes to economic growth, a well-rounded education and mental health.

If you have not done so yet, this week marks an excellent moment to contact your members of Congress to urge them to support funding the Arts Endowment at at least $203 million. Once the Appropriations Committee hears this testimony, it will finalize its budget level for the NEA for FY2023. Further, while the Senate has not scheduled a hearing to consider the NEA's budget, we expect that it is also drafting its legislation to be considered this summer.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
    [post_title] => NEA Chair's Testimony to Congress
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    [post_date] => 2022-05-02 09:44:48
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    [post_content] => Last week, Congress returned to session after a two-week recess. It faces a daunting schedule. On the agenda are negotiations around two signature pieces of the Biden agenda: a spending package previously known as the Build Back Better Act, which would infuse almost $2 trillion into the economy to invest in climate policies and a series of social programs such as universal pre-K, and a piece of legislation called the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, aimed at spurring manufacturing in the United States and addressing competitiveness issues with China. While this work is under way, members of the House and Senate Appropriations committees are planning to accelerate their work on the fiscal year 2023 appropriations bills.

Last week alone, there were 18 different hearings with members of the Biden administration testifying and taking questions related to the President's budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. While the budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was not under review at any of these meetings, we do expect the House Interior Subcommittee (which has jurisdiction over the NEA's budget) to release its proposal sometime this month. Last year, that committee matched the President's request for the NEA of $201 million. While the House and Senate ultimately agreed upon a smaller increase (raising funding from $167.5 million to $180 million), we are hoping that the committee will at a minimum support the President's ask for 2023, $203.55 million. Supporting the agency at this level will allow it to continue to broaden access to the cultural, educational and economic benefits of the arts and to advance creativity and innovation in communities across the United States, all while continuing to support the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of the NEA's grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

For Congress to complete its work on the appropriations bills before September 30, it will have to move quite quickly. Therefore, if you have not done so yet, this is the ideal time to reach out to your congressional delegation and urge them to support increased funding for the Arts Endowment. In doing so, we encourage you to make the following points:

 	
Urge Congress to endorse the administration's $203.55 million request for the National Endowment for the Arts for FY2023, and thank the member for their support of the federal-state partnership that allocates 40% of the agency's grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Remind them that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that strengthens every city, town and rural community nationwide.
 	
Take the opportunity to share an update about your agency and how this increase in funding would allow your work to thrive.

If you have any specific questions about how to approach your representatives, please do not hesitate to contact me at isaac@38northsolutions.com. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to take time out of your schedule to make these calls, emails or visits. The NEA has been the beneficiary of strong, bipartisan support in recent years, and that has come because of your dedicated advocacy—so keep up the great work!

 
    [post_title] => Support Increased Funding for NEA in FY2023
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    [post_date] => 2022-04-05 14:52:37
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    [post_content] => After signing the fiscal year 2022 budget into law in early March, President Biden and his administration wasted no time turning their attention to the FY2023 budget, releasing their proposal to Congress last week. The quick turnaround was necessary because delays in passing the previous budget had set the timetable for this budget significantly behind schedule. Even with the quick rollout, Congress will have to work at a fast pace if it has any hopes of finishing its work before the current fiscal year ends on September 30.

In his request to Congress, the President proposes increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) by $23 million, to $203.55 million. The administration touts the important role of state arts agencies throughout the document. Also of note, the document proposes an increase of $6 million for the U.S. Department of Education's Assistance for Arts Education Program, to $36.5 million.

With the administration's proposal now released, the House and Senate appropriations committees will prepare their FY2023 appropriations bills. The Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies has purview over the NEA's budget recommendation in both chambers.

As Congress begins this process, I would encourage you to contact your U.S. senators and representatives in support of the President's proposal. In doing so, consider making the following points:

 	
Thank Congress for supporting an increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, on a bipartisan basis, to $180 million this fiscal year (from $167.5 million), as well as for their continued support for the federal-state partnership that allocates 40% of all grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Urge Congress to endorse the $203.55 million request for the NEA for FY2023.
 	
Remind them that public funding for the arts and creativity is a high-return investment that strengthens every city, town and rural community nationwide.
 	
Take the opportunity to share an update about your agency and how this increase in funding would allow your work to thrive.

This is an exciting moment for all of us arts advocates. However, we cannot take this recommended funding level for granted. The President's budget request is not a binding document, and Congress will likely face extraordinary budget pressure, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the war in Ukraine also requires financial support from the United States. As such, it is vital that members of Congress and their staff hear from all of us that funding for the arts is a priority.
    [post_title] => President Biden Proposes NEA Funding Increase for FY2023
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Biden Administration Releases FY2023 Budget, Proposes Increase for NEA
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    [post_date] => 2022-03-10 08:55:47
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => NEA Poised for FY2022 Funding Increase
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    [post_date] => 2022-03-01 13:26:40
    [post_date_gmt] => 2022-03-01 18:26:40
    [post_content] => This year has been off to a bit of an odd start in Congress. Despite the same party controlling the House, Senate and White House, an agreement on funding for fiscal year 2022 has proven elusive. As a result, the House and Senate last month passed a short-term continuing resolution, with the hopes that a final agreement can be reached soon.

This is significant for arts advocates because the funding level for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) hangs in the balance. As you know, the President requested that Congress increase the agency's funding level from $167.5 million to $201 million. The House of Representatives matched this number when it passed the Interior and Related Agencies appropriations bill last summer. While the Senate ultimately did not propose that figure, it also supported increasing funding for the NEA, to $182.5 million. The gulf between these two figures is an example of the types of differences that must be resolved before Congress can pass the FY2022 appropriations bill.

While it is very hard to get clear signals about how the discussions are going, I think the likely outcome is that the Arts Endowment receives the Senate supported number of $182.5 million, which would still be an increase of $15 million over the agency's current funding level.

Whenever the work on this appropriations bill ends, Congress and we as advocates for the arts will need to immediately pivot to working on the FY2023 bill, which is already behind schedule due to the ongoing work on the FY2022 bill. NASAA has been working with the Cultural Advocacy Group and a smaller subset of organizations to discuss and ultimately suggest a top-line number for the Endowment. In addition to setting this number, we have been in touch with our humanities colleagues to try to ensure that our requests of Congress align with one another.

Beyond appropriations, NASAA will be seeking other opportunities to expand support for the arts and creative industries. There has been discussion about possibly including additional COVID-19 pandemic relief in the upcoming funding bill, and I will let you know if such an opportunity is developing. Meanwhile, do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss this in more detail.
    [post_title] => NEA Increase Likely When FY2022 Budget Bill Passes
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    [post_modified] => 2022-04-07 14:16:28
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    [post_date] => 2022-02-02 16:16:37
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    [post_content] => After a disappointing ending to 2021, President Biden and congressional Democrats entered this year with an ambitious agenda. They hoped to pass the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills, resolve any lingering disagreements and pass the President's top legislative priority, the Build Back Better Act (BBB), and enact election reform legislation. February arrives with work on all three in a state of limbo. Negotiations around the BBB haven't resumed, efforts to pass election reform failed, and no deal has yet been reached on the budget, with current funding set to expire on February 18.

While overall progress has been lacking, the year was not totally fruitless. For example, there is an emerging sentiment that the ongoing impacts of the pandemic may necessitate additional relief funding for industries that have suffered significant losses. This additional support would likely be blended with the appropriations bill, which hopefully will pass in the next few weeks. As arts advocates, the NASAA team is laser-focused on this opportunity, and we are meeting regularly with policymakers to make the case for support for artists and venues hard-hit by COVID-19 and the recent surge in cases. Discussions are in the early phases, but we hope to have more to report about this soon.

In the meantime, we do think it would be useful, if you haven't done so yet, to touch base with your members of Congress and urge their support for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. (You'll recall that the House passed legislation funding the agency at $201 million for FY2022, an increase of $33.5 million over its current level.) In the event that COVID-19 relief is included in the FY2022 appropriations package, it also would be helpful to convey to your delegation the significant impact to artists, arts organizations and venues if Congress supported this aid. We recognize how difficult the past two years have been for our field, and it is vitally important to keep members of Congress (and their staff) aware that the struggle remains.

A note on timing: If you are considering making outreach, I would suggest doing so as soon as possible. While a deal may seem far from being reached at the moment, things can resolve suddenly, so there is no time to waste. If you have any questions about the specifics and how best to communicate with your congressional representatives, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
    [post_title] => Waiting for Passage of FY2022 Budget Is Opportunity to Request Arts Support
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    [post_date] => 2022-01-03 16:12:09
    [post_date_gmt] => 2022-01-03 21:12:09
    [post_content] => As Congress returns to session this week, the stakes for President Biden and Democratic leadership couldn't be higher. As outlined in my last column, President Biden had hoped that by the end of December he would be able to tout passage of the Build Back Better Act, the signature bill of his legislative agenda, as well as the enactment of the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill that would mark his administration's spending priorities and set the direction of its agenda. Despite intense work and lobbying, Congress was unable to reach agreements that would permit enactment of either priority and, as a result, the year begins with a great deal of work left to be done. The pressure to find common ground that will allow each to become law is higher than ever before, as 2022 is an election year for every member of the U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate.

Off-year elections, known as the midterms, have historically been challenging for the President's party, and the failure to pass these bills will only enhance that concern. As a result, I expect the President and congressional leadership to make another significant push this month. Arts advocates are paying very close to attention to the negotiations around the FY2022 appropriations bill. The continuing resolution signed in December extends current federal funding until February 18, meaning that Congress should have enough time to resolve remaining differences. These discussions are critical because, while the House and Senate have both put forward proposals to significantly increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (showing continued support of the federal-state partnership), those increases will not be realized until Congress passes the FY2022 budget bill. In the meantime, while continuing resolutions are in place, the Endowment will continue to operate under its existing funding level of $167.5 million.

It is important to note that the Biden administration is already preparing the President's budget request for FY2023. Under a normal time line, the President would release this document at the end of January when he delivers his State of the Union address. Because the FY2022 budget is still in limbo, it is unlikely that proposal will be seen anytime soon.

Although negotiations around the funding level for the Arts Endowment are likely settled, it's still a good idea to reach out to your congressional delegation to touch base and begin a dialogue for the upcoming legislative session. As you reach out, here are some points you can consider raising:

 	
Urge your member of Congress to support the House's proposed FY2022 budget for the National Endowment for the Arts of $201 million. (The Senate proposed $182.5 million.) Both represent a significant increase over the agency's current level.
 	
Especially because this is a time of turnover for congressional staff, it is helpful to mention the unprecedented partnership between the Endowment and states that directs 40% of the agency's grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Emphasize that public funding for the arts and creativity is a high-return investment that strengthens every city, town and rural community in the nation.
 	
Take the occasion to update the member of Congress about exciting developments at your agency. If there is the opportunity to invite them to join you for an event (even virtually), please consider doing so as it is a great way to help draw the connection to federal funding and to work taking place in their district.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact NASAA with any questions about how to approach a particular office. There is no doubt that this consistent engagement has paid huge dividends in building strong, bipartisan support for the Endowment and for arts policy generally. Thank you for continued dedication.
    [post_title] => President, Congress Trudge Ahead
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    [post_date] => 2021-12-01 12:24:51
    [post_date_gmt] => 2021-12-01 17:24:51
    [post_content] => Following a recess for the Thanksgiving holiday, the U.S. House and Senate returned to session this week facing some near-term deadlines. With current funding for the federal government set to expire on December 3, on December 2 Congress agreed to another continuing resolution extending current funding until February 18. While there was optimism initially that the fiscal year 2022 bill would be ready to be voted on by December 3, it is clear that more work is left to do. A budget extension of this length is warranted because of the amount of attention that has been placed upon passage of the Build Back Better Act, the signature legislation of the Biden presidency that would inject almost $1.9 trillion into the economy and focus on climate and social safety net programs.

The impact of this delay is real for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), as it means the agency will need to wait longer to receive the additional funding Congress plans to appropriate for the next fiscal year. As you may recall, the House has proposed funding the NEA at $201 million and the Senate has put forth a figure of $182.5 million. While we as arts advocates strongly prefer the House's number, it is worth noting that either represents a significant increase over the Endowment's current appropriation of $167.5 million.

Congress is currently determining the NEA's funding level for next year between those two figures. Therefore, if you have not done so yet, now is the ideal time to contact your member of Congress and urge them to support funding at the House's proposed figure of $201 million. In doing so, please take the opportunity to highlight programs and initiatives your agency has undertaken over the last year, and use it as an example of how additional funding for the NEA benefits states across the country, as a result of the unprecedented partnership between states and the federal government that allocates 40% of federal grant dollars to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. As you prepare for this conversation, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have.

In closing, I would like to thank all of you for your hard work and commitment during this very difficult year. I am grateful for your support, and can assure you that it makes a significant impact in winning over the hearts and minds of members of Congress and staff.
    [post_title] => Steady As She Goes: Urge NEA Increase for 2022
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    [post_date] => 2021-11-01 15:57:52
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    [post_content] => While most of Washington's focus at the moment is centered upon the President's visit to Glasgow for the U.N. Climate Conference and the ongoing negotiations around the Build Back Better Act, members of the House and Senate are quietly negotiating a large fiscal package that will include funding for every federal agency for the remainder of fiscal year 2022. This work is aimed at getting legislation finalized on or before December 3, when current funding is set to expire.

There are a lot of sensitive issues being discussed, but the focal point for arts advocates is the funding level for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which received $167.5 million in last year's appropriations bill. At issue is the discrepancy between the FY2022 proposals put forth by the House of Representatives, which has suggested $201 million for the Endowment, and the Senate level of $182.5 million.

While we are deeply appreciative of the fact that both chambers have endorsed meaningful increases in funding for the NEA, the fact remains that the decision will be made this month about which number to use in the legislation—and it is incumbent on arts advocates to convey to the Senate that meeting the House's request would be the in the public's best interest.

Therefore, if you have not done so already, please consider contacting your senators to express the following:

 	
Thank them for the continued support for the National Endowment for the Arts and state arts agencies.
 	
Acknowledge the significant increase proposed by the committee, but note that the House has passed an even higher amount ($201 million), and encourage the senator to support funding the Arts Endowment at that amount.
 	
In suggesting this increase, underscore that public funding for the arts and creativity is a high-return investment that strengthens every city, town and rural community nationwide.
 	
In suggesting this increase, share an exciting program or event being led by your agency, and mention that due to the federal-state partnership, 40% of the Endowment's grant funding goes directly to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

Given the difficult state of the economy today, members of Congress have hard decisions they must make as they finalize the FY2022 appropriations bill. Reaching out to your congressional delegation helps each office understand that federal funding for the arts is valued by their constituents. We know that the decisions are being made right now, and your outreach can help make a difference!
    [post_title] => Advocate for FY2022 Federal Arts Budget
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    [post_date] => 2021-10-20 15:28:02
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Senate Appropriations Committee Proposes NEA's Budget for FY2022
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    [post_date] => 2021-10-05 14:27:02
    [post_date_gmt] => 2021-10-05 19:27:02
    [post_content] => As I noted in my last column, the fall was expected to be one of the most active legislative sessions in recent memory. Work was planned to pass a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, focused mainly on traditional transportation programs like roads and bridges, and a second, even larger spending package that would focus on climate change and social safety net initiatives. As if passing these measures wouldn't be hard enough, also facing Congress and the President would be the expiration of federal funding (September 30), and the pressing need to raise the debt ceiling by October 18. All of this work made passage of the fiscal year 2022 spending bill before the end of September an unlikely outcome, and after many weeks of negotiations, the decision was made to pass a short-term (three-month), continuing resolution that allows the government to operate with existing funding levels.

This outcome, while disappointing given the potential increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recommended by the President and the House of Representatives, is hopefully just a momentary delay. The Senate plans to begin working on a full funding bill this month, and while we do not have any specific information, it is expected that the Senate will choose to match the House-approved number of $201 million for the NEA. Further, the fact that both chambers of Congress and the White House are controlled by the Democratic Party should allow for the process to move rather smoothly, as the delay to this point has been the result of prioritization, rather than disagreements among policymakers. If the proposed funding level goes through, it would represent an increase of more than $33.5 million over the Arts Endowment's current budget. Equally important to us as advocates for state arts agencies, the House legislation supports the ongoing federal-state partnership, which allocates 40% of all NEA grant dollars to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. We will work to ensure that the Senate continues to support this agreement as well.

Although negotiations around the budget, infrastructure and the debt ceiling will continue to dominate the headlines over the coming weeks, I think this is a good time for all of us as champions for the arts to think about what might come next. Congress and the administration are aiming to clear the decks of all of these major bills before the end of the year. Should that occur, Congress will hopefully have the opportunity to think about new policies and initiatives. While the arts were not a focal point of these most recent bills, there is no reason that we can't work with Congress to set an ambitious arts agenda for next year. Legislation like the Creative Economy Revitalization Act, which was introduced by Senator Lujan (D-NM) last month, would help bolster the creative economy through the creation of a workforce grants program to employ artists and writers to create publicly available art.

Passing new, bold initiatives like this will take time, but it is my hope that as the new year comes, we will be able to focus on new ideas to advance arts policy. In the meantime, it is critical that we remain focused on the FY2022 appropriations process to ensure that the National Endowment for the Arts receives the proposed increase. If you haven't done so already, now is a great time to contact your senators and urge them to support funding the NEA at $201 million.
    [post_title] => Congress Passes Short-Term Funding Bill amid Debate over Infrastructure Spending
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    [post_date] => 2021-09-01 12:11:24
    [post_date_gmt] => 2021-09-01 17:11:24
    [post_content] => The last week of August is usually a calm one in Washington, D.C., with members of Congress spread out across the country enjoying time off and spending time with their constituents. This year, however, has turned out to be one of the busiest in recent memory, and the level of activity forced staff and many elected officials to remain in Washington. What required them to do so is the significant amount of work that lies before Congress in September: funding for government agencies expires on September 30, as will funding for transportation programs; the debt limit is set to be breached in early fall; and Democrats have set a September 28 deadline to pass the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, as well a larger $3.5 trillion package.

How Congress plans to pack everything into the next 30 days is hard to imagine, but members are setting aggressive timelines to do so. This means that any pressing matters that can be pushed down the road likely will be. While understandable, this is somewhat disappointing for arts advocates because a clear candidate for delay is the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill. In fact, Congress is already discussing passing a short-term continuing resolution that will allow all federal agencies to operate at their existing funding levels. As a result, the projected increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), to $201 million, would be postponed.

We certainly will know more about the projected timeline for the NEA's budget bill in the coming weeks, but if you haven't done so already, this is an excellent time to contact your elected officials in the Senate and urge them to support funding the agency at $201 million, the level already approved in the House of Representatives and endorsed in the President's FY2022 budget request. As always, I would also encourage you to thank Congress for continuing to support the federal-state partnership that allocates 40% of all NEA grant dollars to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

Please stay tuned over the next few days as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
    [post_title] => Congress Prepares for Busy Work Period
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    [post_date] => 2021-08-03 14:17:50
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    [post_content] => As of the time I am writing this column, members of the U.S. Senate are working furiously to complete work on a significant infrastructure bill that provides more than $500 billion in new federal spending intended to modernize the nation's transportation and energy sectors. While the arts are not specifically addressed in this legislation, completion of the bill is significant for meaningful action on arts policy because the effort and focus being paid toward the infrastructure bill has forced Congress to delay working on almost anything else.

While this delay is frustrating, if understandable, it does not minimize the exciting developments we've seen in recent months. As we alerted you to last month, the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations approved a $33.5 million increase in the fiscal year 2022 appropriation for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This matches the amount proposed by the White House, which would bring the agency's funding level up to $201 million. The bill, which acknowledges the value of the NEA's "longstanding collaborative relationship" with states, is awaiting a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. However, because the chamber has already adjourned for the summer, the earliest that can occur is in September.

The impact of the slower pace the Congress has taken on its FY2022 appropriations means that it is very likely that it will need to pass a continuing resolution of some length (likely a few months), to allow the work to be completed.

Therefore, the month of August is an excellent time to reach out to your congressional delegation to let them know that you appreciate the support shown for the arts by Congress. When you do, please consider mentioning the following:

 	
Thank them for their support of the arts over the past year, and specifically for recognizing the need to support artists and venues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 	
Urge them to support funding the NEA at $201 million for FY2022, and reinforce the tremendous success of the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of the Arts Endowment's grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Use the opportunity to update their staff about recent developments at your agency, and how an increase of this size would positively impact communities in your state.

As D.C. begins to slow down (slightly) for the August recess, I'd like to thank all of you for your hard work and attention during this difficult year. As Congress continues to consider the largest increase in funding for the NEA in some time, there is no question that the reason we have reached this point is because of all of you. Thank you so much, and I look forward to working with you all in the months ahead.
    [post_title] => Press for Federal Arts Funding during August Recess
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    [post_modified] => 2021-09-02 14:27:19
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    [post_date] => 2021-07-07 16:35:08
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    [post_content] => The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations approved a $33.5 million increase to the fiscal year 2022 appropriation for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This matches the amount proposed by the White House to bring the agency’s funding level up to $201 million. The bill will next move to the House floor for its approval, and NASAA will keep you informed as that process unfolds.

In the meantime, we encourage NASAA members to reach out to House members to urge their support of the proposed appropriation for the NEA. In doing so, please consider:

 	
thanking them for their support of the arts over the past year, and specifically recognizing the need to support artists and venues during the COVID-19 pandemic;
 	
urging them to support funding the NEA at $201 million for FY2022, and reinforcing the tremendous success of the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of the Arts Endowment’s grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations;
 	
using the opportunity to update their staff about recent developments at your agency, and how an increase of this size would positively impact communities in your state.

    [post_title] => Support FY2022 Funding Increase for NEA
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    [post_date] => 2021-06-28 17:55:54
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Urge Support for NEA Increase in U.S. House
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    [post_date] => 2021-06-02 19:35:25
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    [post_content] => Late on May 28, the Biden administration released its first budget request to Congress regarding funding levels and priorities for fiscal year 2022. While not binding, the President's budget request (particularly any administration's first) is a critical document, as it articulates the newly inaugurated President's goals and objectives. For example, the Trump administration's decision to recommend eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in its first budget request in 2017 set the tone for the next four years, as NASAA and our partner organizations had to work closely with our champions in Congress to push back against that proposal. Perhaps because of the Trump administration's posture toward the NEA (at least in terms of its budget requests), the Biden administration's request was widely anticipated to help us understand the goals of the administration with regards to arts policy.

As we noted in a Legislative Alert to our members and colleagues, the Biden administration made a strong statement of support for the Arts Endowment and the arts generally in its FY2022 request, calling for the agency's funding level to be increased from $167.5 million to $201 million. If implemented, the proposed increase of $33.5 million far surpasses any increase the agency has received in recent years. In calling for the enhancement, the Biden administration urges the Endowment to "incorporate principles" of racial justice and equity in its programming and encourages continued participation in the Creative Forces Military Healing Arts Network. Also of interest, the request calls for increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities to $177.5 million and an increase for the Institute of Museum and Library Services to $265 million.

We are thrilled and deeply appreciative of the Biden administration's recognition of the significant value that comes from robust federal investment in the arts. With the document now released, the focus turns to Congress. It is incumbent upon us as arts advocates to encourage Congress to follow the administration's lead and increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. As valued partners, state arts agencies can play a critical role in this campaign. Therefore, when Congress returns to session next week, I strongly encourage you to contact members of your congressional delegation, particularly if you are represented by a member of either the House or Senate Appropriations Committee, and urge the following:

 	
Support the President's budget request, which would raise the NEA's budget by $33.5 million.
 	
Highlight the federal-state partnership, which allocates 40% of the NEA's grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations, and encourage Congress to continue to support the formula.
 	
Use this moment to update your delegation about activities at your agency, and ways your programming could be enhanced with the additional federal funding proposed by the Biden administration.

I encourage you to contact your member of Congress right away, regardless of committee assignment, to raise awareness and support for this proposal. This is an exciting moment for the Endowment and us who support it. It is now critical that we make the case to Congress about why acting on this recommendation is so important.
    [post_title] => Support Administration's Request for NEA Budget Increase
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    [post_date] => 2021-05-28 16:53:26
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    [post_content] => May 28, 2021

Today, the Biden administration released its first budget request to Congress. Within the nearly $6 trillion proposal is a funding request for the National Endowment for the Arts of $201 million, an increase of almost $35 million over the agency's current level.

This welcome news is an important first step in the fiscal year 2022 appropriations process, as the Democratically controlled Congress will value the President's support while writing the appropriations bill for the agency.

Congress goes on recess this evening. When they return in June, the formal appropriations process will begin. We will be in touch with you then to discuss ways to support the President's strong statement of support for the arts and the Endowment!
    [post_title] => President Biden Proposes Significant Funding Increase for Arts Endowment
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    [post_date] => 2021-05-03 21:08:50
    [post_date_gmt] => 2021-05-03 21:08:50
    [post_content] => Last week, on the eve of his 100th day in office, President Biden spoke to a joint session of Congress for the first time. In his remarks, the President laid out an ambitious agenda that includes robust investment in an infrastructure package he hopes to pass by the end of the fiscal year. That legislation, which his administration has called the American Jobs Plan, is the next phase in the President's economic revitalization program and builds on the American Relief Act, which was passed last month and provided almost $2 trillion in funding to help individuals, communities and businesses.

The House and Senate are now working to develop this bill, which is expected to cost at least $3 trillion and would span a wide range of sectors in the economy. The primary areas of focus are the transportation and energy sectors—but as arts advocates we are in close touch to determine if there may be opportunities to support the arts and artists as the bill comes together.

Also front and center in Washington over the next few months will be passage of the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill. As is often the case in the first year of a President's term, the process was delayed as the administration worked to build a team and simultaneously focused on passing the American Relief Act. Despite the late start, we understand that congressional leaders have committed to passing all 12 bills on schedule.

As arts advocates, we are of course quite focused on the National Endowment for the Arts and what its funding level will be next year. While the President's budget request has not been publicly released yet, we got a good indication last month when the House Arts Caucus sent a letter to members of the House urging support for the agency of at least $176 million. Should Congress act upon this funding level, this would represent an $8.5 million increase in funding for the agency over its current appropriation.

Once we have more information, NASAA will be in touch about opportunities to engage Congress as the bill moves through the process. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about either the appropriations bill or the upcoming infrastructure package.
    [post_title] => Seeking Arts Support in Infrastructure and Budget Bills
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    [post_date] => 2021-04-06 21:41:45
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    [post_content] => This week marks an important event in our advocacy calendar, as supporters from around the country meet, this year virtually, for the National Arts Action Summit. In a normal year, this event marks the kickoff of the annual appropriations season, where NASAA and other arts organizations work together to advance policies that support the arts. It is always so much fun to connect with many of you who make the trip to D.C. each year, and I am sorry we will miss out on the opportunity to reconnect.

While the work of the summit, and advocacy generally, continues to be limited to online and phone engagement, there is nevertheless exciting work in front of us. First, we are all anxiously awaiting the release of President Biden's budget request for fiscal year 2022. The first such document for any new administration is especially important, as it sends a signal to Congress and advocates about the fiscal priorities for the next four years. It is certainly our hope that President Biden will urge Congress to support a robust funding increase for the National Endowment for the Arts. We appreciate the hard work that has been undertaken by Congress on a bipartisan basis to increase the agency's funding level, especially over the past four years, when President Trump had called for its elimination.

Because the President's FY2022 figure has not been announced yet, NASAA and other national arts service organizations made the decision, in consultation with our champions in Congress, to hold off on a specific dollar request until the document is made public. We understand that doing so puts you in a rather awkward position as you meet with members of Congress and staff, all of whom are expecting a specific ask. We have heard that the President's proposal will be made public either later this month or in early May, but if you are meeting with your congressional delegation before then, we'd propose you raise the following points:

 	
Thank the member for recognizing the impact COVID-19 has had on artists and arts organizations, and for providing both an increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts in the FY2021 appropriations bill and emergency funding for the agency throughout the pandemic.
 	
Encourage the member to support a "significant" increase in funding for the Arts Endowment this year while reiterating support for the federal-state partnership, which directs 40% of the Endowment's grant funding to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Use the opportunity to update staff on any new developments or initiatives within your agency. These reports are always valued by staff—but especially during times of economic distress, when Congress is weighing a number of important priorities, this information can help bolster the Endowment.

I expect Congress to begin working in earnest on the FY2022 appropriations bill by the end of the month, so if you have the time do so, please reach out to your member of Congress to let them know that you are hopeful that they will continue to support the Endowment and vital arts programs. I know that this direct engagement is the biggest reason for our success in recent years, and will mean a great deal moving forward.
    [post_title] => It's Arts Advocacy Season: Take Action
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    [post_date] => 2021-03-10 20:15:31
    [post_date_gmt] => 2021-03-10 20:15:31
    [post_content] => March 10, 2021

Today, the House of Representatives passed a $1.9 trillion relief package, providing another round of emergency aid for communities and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A signature component of the President's agenda during his first 100 days, the bill provides important provisions for the arts. These include $135 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (and explicit support for the federal-state partnership) and $1.35 billion more for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, as well as significant non-arts-specific support, including providing stimulus checks to many individuals and families, an extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and $350 billion in aid to state and local governments.

It is important to note that the appropriation to the Arts Endowment is unrelated to the fiscal year 2022 budget process, which we expect to begin in the next few weeks. With the relief bill now law, Congress and President Biden are expected to turn their attention to yet another stimulus package, this one focused on infrastructure, as a means of further spurring the economy. As work around this bill begins to unfold, NASAA will monitor the situation closely, working with Congress and the Biden administration to cultivate additional pathways to support the arts during this difficult time.
    [post_title] => Congress Passes $1.9 Trillion Relief Bill, with Provisions for the Arts
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    [post_date] => 2021-03-03 16:51:33
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    [post_content] => At the time of writing this column, Congress and the Biden administration are in the midst of negotiating a $1.9 trillion emergency relief package that they hope to pass no later than the middle of March, when many of the emergency programs extended in the December relief bill are set to expire.

While the plan before them is ambitious, the negotiations are understandably complicated as the package, if passed, would be the second-largest stimulus bill ever passed by Congress, second only to the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. Further complicating matters is that thus far, no Senate Republicans have come out in support (and no House Republicans voted in favor when the bill passed the House at the end of February), and the narrow margins Democrats hold in each chamber leave no margin for error.

Although the situation is very fluid, here is what we know the package includes at this time:

 	
$135 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, and explicit support for the federal-state partnership
 	
an additional $1.35 billion for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program
 	
extension of pandemic unemployment insurance until August 29
 	
stimulus checks to individuals earning up to $75,000 a year, and couples earning $150,000

Another provision that had been central to the bill was the proposal to raise the minimum wage, nationally, to $15 an hour. This provision was highly contentious but was ultimately struck by the Senate parliamentarian, who viewed that its inclusion violates the Byrd Rule, a federal statute that applies strict limitations on what can be included in a reconciliation bill.

As work on this bill continues, it is important to note is that the funding included in this bill for the Arts Endowment is considered an emergency supplemental appropriation and will not impact the fiscal year 2022 process, which has not begun yet. We expect work on that bill to begin in earnest in the next few weeks, when President Biden is expected to deliver his first remarks to Congress.

NASAA and our partners at other arts service organizations will be watching closely to see what the Biden administration recommends to Congress for funding for the Arts Endowment in its first budget. This will be a critical piece of information that will inform our ask to Congress for the year. Certainly, we will be asking for an increase, but the level of increase will be informed by the administration's preference.

I'd expect that recommendation in the next few weeks, and then we will be off to the races, pursuing a broad and ambitious agenda to support federal funding for the arts in the FY2022 budget.
    [post_title] => Anticipating Arts Support in Federal Emergency Bill and FY2022 Budget
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    [post_date] => 2021-02-10 23:52:09
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => House Considers New Round of COVID-19 Relief, Including Additional Funding for the Arts Endowment
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    [post_date] => 2021-02-02 17:17:00
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    [post_content] => On January 20, President Joe Biden was sworn into office. Greeting the President is an unprecedented number of challenges for a new administration, including managing the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis while also setting a new agenda. While the latter is still being established, the Biden administration has made clear that addressing the pandemic will be its first priority.

In fact, as of writing this column, the President and congressional leadership are in the midst of intense negotiations on an additional round of funding they hope can be passed by the end of the month. Although the situation is still quite fluid, we understand that the package includes an additional round of stimulus checks for individuals, additional funding for vaccine manufacturing and distribution, and an extension of federal unemployment insurance. While it is too early to know for certain, it does not appear that the National Endowment for the Arts will receive an extra boost in funding within this package. A critical question for the administration is whether to negotiate with Senate Republicans, who have proposed a smaller relief package, or to pursue its $1.9 trillion bill through a process called budget reconciliation, which allows Democrats to forgo normal Senate procedure and pass the bill with only Democratic votes. (The normal process would require 60 votes for passage.)

Once a package is passed, the Biden administration is expected to turn its attention to yet another stimulus bill—one focused on economic recovery—and passing the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills. It is our strong hope that the administration will include funding for the arts in the second package and propose a robust funding level for the Arts Endowment in FY2022.

Before the work on all of these critical bills ramps up, I encourage you to contact your members of Congress to update them on your work and urge robust funding for the arts this year. Capitol Hill is always a transient place, with staff often moving to new offices; but especially in the first year of a new administration, there is a lot of turnover. Opening a dialogue now, before critical issues and opportunities arise, is always a good idea.

In your conversation, I would be sure to thank them for (or if it is a new office, inform them of) Congress's support for the National Endowment for the Arts last year, which increased the agency's funding to $167.5 million. Also vitally important is to reiterate our support for the federal-state partnership, which allocates 40% of the Arts Endowment's grant budget to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. Finally, please consider using this conversation to update staff about your organization and any new programs or initiatives you've undertaken. Shortly, we will be formally asking these same offices to support an increase in funding for FY2022—but starting the dialogue now will allow you to build or refresh relationships with key staff.

In the next few weeks, we expect the Biden administration to make its formal request to Congress for funding for federal agencies, including the Arts Endowment. Once that request is made, NASAA will follow up with you about how we will respond to that proposal. In the meantime, we will keep you apprised as work on the COVID-19 package unfolds, and let you know whether there is an opportunity to support the arts in that package.
    [post_title] => Biden Administration and New Congress Get to Work
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    [post_date] => 2021-01-05 16:58:40
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    [post_content] => As is often the case, the close of 2020, and of the 116th Congress, was a busy one, as members of Congress and the Trump administration were negotiating and voting on legislation until January 2, the very last day of the legislative term. Fortunately, as you are no doubt aware, after considerable challenges, Congress was able to agree to and President Trump ultimately signed a broad comprehensive package that funds all federal agencies for fiscal year 2021 and provides a new round of much needed economic relief, as the impact of the coronavirus continues to harm communities throughout the country. In this month's column, I will provide you with a summary of that legislation and preview some of the major issues we anticipate this year, as President-elect Biden prepares to take office.

First, with regard to funding for federal agencies and programs, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 increases funding for the National Endowment for the Arts from its current amount, $162.25 million, to $167.5 million. While this figure is lower than the House-approved number of $170 million (the same figure endorsed by NASAA and other arts organizations), this year's increase marks the fifth consecutive year that Congress has increased funding for the Arts Endowment, including all four years of the Trump presidency, which had called for the agency's elimination in each of its four budget requests.

Also within the end-of-year aid package are several provisions that could provide critical support to artists. The popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is being re-upped with at least $280 million in new loan funding available (including some that is forgivable). The legislation also includes the creation of a new $15 billion grant program, known as the Save Our Stages (SOS) Act, for shuttered venue operators. The program will be available for nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including independent movie theatres and museums. Understandably, there is a lot of interest in this program. The legislation requires the Small Business Administration, which will oversee the grants, to publish rules within 10 days of enactment to govern how the program will work. One important criterion to be aware of: an organization is permitted to receive SOS funding if it secured a PPP loan last year; however, organizations receiving PPP loans (or securing second draws on earlier loans) after December 27, 2020, will not be eligible for SOS grants.

Beyond these critical programs, the legislation extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation that expired last year until mid-March and provides a benefit of $300 per week. The bill also allows for an extra $100 a week for workers who have both W-2 and self-employment income.

With a new legislative session now under way and President-elect Biden set to take office later this month, we at NASAA are excited and hopeful that we can continue to build on the strong bipartisan support we've seen for the arts in recent years. It is our hope that Congress will again consider and pass legislation providing additional relief for communities impacted by the pandemic, and we are already having conversations with members of Congress about legislative priorities for the year. I look forward to working with all of you again this year, and appreciate the time and focus you gave during the most difficult of circumstances.
    [post_title] => Congress Wraps a Busy Year with Big Fiscal Package
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    [post_date] => 2020-12-22 17:30:31
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Omnibus Bill Funds the Arts for FY2021 and Provides COVID-19 Relief
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    [post_date] => 2020-12-01 08:00:40
    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-11-30 19:33:12
    [post_content] => This week, members of the House and Senate are expected to return to Washington after a brief recess last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. Awaiting their return are critical and sensitive negotiations surrounding funding for federal agencies and whether to enact further relief for communities impacted by COVID-19 as cases of the virus grow throughout the country.

First on the agenda this week is the continuation of negotiations between the House, Senate and Trump administration over fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills. With current funding set to expire on December 11, a major hurdle was crossed last week when leadership was able to reach an agreement on the overall funding across all agencies. This agreement creates the pathway for resolving differences between the House and Senate. While a lot of work is left to be done, members are optimistic that a deal can ultimately be reached.

There is less optimism about further COVID-19 relief being passed this year, as the Democratic leadership in the House and Republican leadership in the Senate remain apart in what they view as an appropriate response to the state of the pandemic and the economy. The impasse is so fixed at this point that President-Elect Joe Biden took the unusual step of publicly imploring Democrats in Congress to find middle ground with their Republican counterparts. Work on a new round of support will continue, but at the time of publication, the chances of achieving anything—beyond perhaps extending expired support for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program and a continuation of unemployment insurance—seem unlikely.

For our part as arts advocates, we continue to urge Congress and the Trump administration to address the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on artists. Specifically, we are asking Congress to fund the National Endowment for the Arts at the House-approved level of $170 million, and also hope that additional relief can be provided for communities impacted by the health and economic crises. It is our sincere hope that Congress and President Trump will be able to provide this much-needed aid.

Simultaneously, we are looking ahead to the next administration and the 117th Congress. NASAA is in dialogue with President-Elect Biden’s transition team, highlighting the importance of the arts and state arts agencies to economic recovery, community resilience, racial equity and other core priorities of the incoming administration. We also are working in coalition with other arts and humanities advocates to underscore the importance of the arts to members of the new administration as well as new members of Congress who will take office in January. As always, NASAA will appreciate your active involvement as we work to help recently elected officials and their staff to recognize the crucial importance of the arts to their districts. Now is a good time to begin mapping your relationships and doing background research to inform positive outreach strategies.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions as these events unfold.
    [post_title] => FY2021 Budget, COVID-19 Aid, Working with Next President and Congress
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    [post_date] => 2020-11-12 17:43:15
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Senate Recommends Level Funding for the Arts in FY2021
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    [post_date] => 2020-11-03 21:37:27
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    [post_content] => Heading into Tuesday's election, many experts predicted a razor-thin outcome, and those predictions appear to have proved correct. At the time of writing this column, the President holds a narrowing lead in many battleground states, while control of the Senate, which will be vital to supporting the agenda of the eventual President, is too close to call (though appearing to trend favorably for the Republicans).

For ardent supporters of the arts, this uncertainty raises a number of questions. Like you, I am sure, I was hoping to have more clarity about the result at this time; but I am grateful, particularly in times like these, that support for the arts and the National Endowment for the Arts has evolved from being a lightning rod for political debate to one of the few areas of genuine bipartisan support. We'll need this support now, as our community has been deeply rocked by the continuing economic crisis caused by the coronavirus, and it appears that the two chambers of Congress will once again be run by different parties.

While the votes are still being counted, there are things we know we can focus on and prepare for. Regardless of the election's outcome, Congress and President Trump will have to negotiate an end-of-year spending package, which will include an appropriation for the Arts Endowment. Earlier this year, the House passed a fiscal year 2021 budget of $170 million for the agency, an increase of $7.5 million. Negotiations on this bill are expected to commence in the next week or so, so if you have the opportunity to do so, please let your House and Senate members know that you support funding the Endowment at $170 million. I would also use this window of time to preview with your legislators upcoming programming and initiatives your agency will be undertaking next year. This information will be invaluable to members as they weigh whether to increase funding.

Another open question is whether Congress and President Trump will work on another round of economic stimulus. On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who was reelected on Tuesday, expressed interest in passing a narrow recovery package before the end of the year. While details are yet to be established, his remarks are a clear indication that the negotiations between the House, which has already passed a broad funding bill, and the Senate remain complicated. As events unfold, we are prepared in the event such an opportunity arises. Therefore, please be on the lookout for updates from us about any developments in this regard. In the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out with any specific questions, and I will do my best to answer them.
    [post_title] => With Election Results Pending, Outlook for 2021 Uncertain
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    [post_date] => 2020-10-06 13:54:17
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    [post_content] => With November's election for President and Congress less than a month away, several important and time-sensitive issues remain unresolved. First and foremost, the President's contraction of the coronavirus has inserted tremendous uncertainty into the negotiations over another round of stimulus funding to deal with the health and economic crisis caused by the pandemic. Further, the spread of the disease among members of Congress (at the time of publication, three senators have tested positive and are quarantining) has compelled Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to announce that the Senate will take a two-week recess, in the hopes of preventing further spread and to allow those already sick to recover.

One must-pass piece of legislation that was pushed across the finish line was a continuing resolution, signed into law before October 1, that provides funding to federal agencies until December 11. Members of the House, Senate and Trump administration will continue to work on a traditional appropriations bill with the goal of passing it before that date. The discussions regarding the next COVID-19 relief bill continue to proceed on an uneven trajectory. Last week, after negotiations broke down between the White House and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), the House considered and passed its own bill, which is largely viewed as a messaging document since it was developed without input from the White House, and Senate Republican leaders have already stated that the proposal will not be considered.

While that bill appears to be little more than the next phase in a longer negotiation, there were, nonetheless, several provisions worth noting. Most significant to us as arts advocates is that it included $135 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, $436 billion in aid for state and local governments, a new round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, and an extension of the $600 per week Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Fund. The legislation also included $10 billion in grant funding for live independent venues, including nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

As negotiations continue, it is not clear whether these arts related provisions will be part of the final agreement (should there be one). It is certainly our hope that they will, and NASAA will keep you apprised as developments unfold. Should the discussions make this possible, we will reach out to you with talking points you can use to contact your elected officials in Congress to urge inclusion of this funding for the Arts Endowment and other arts related provisions.
    [post_title] => Federal Budget, Relief Negotiations Face Obstacles
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    [post_date] => 2020-10-02 20:47:01
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => House Democrats Propose New Emergency Funding Package
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    [post_date] => 2020-09-02 13:27:23
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    [post_content] => When members of the House of Representatives and Senate return to D.C. following their August recess, they do so with seemingly more questions than answers about the pathway forward on many key issues facing Congress. First and foremost, of course, is the ongoing federal response to the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, and the resulting economic hardships it has created. As we reported last month, members of Congress discussed, but ultimately were unable to agree upon, a funding package that would provide financial support for communities hard hit by the economic slowdown, as well as further resources for testing, vaccine development and contact tracing. With members set to return over the next two weeks, the delta between the parties seems as great as at any time during this crisis, and that will make negotiating an agreement difficult.

This impasse is critical in a number of ways. First, of course, is that we hope Congress can find a way to agree on a package that supports communities in need. In addition, with Congress expected to be in session for only a few weeks before adjourning until after November's election, the stalemate will dominate focus and take time away from other pressing matters.

One result is that work on appropriations bills may need to be delayed until after the election. As you know, the House in July passed legislation funding the National Endowment for the Arts at $170 million for fiscal year 2021, an increase of $7.5 million over its current funding level. While we are thrilled and appreciative of this support, we also recognize that there is much work to do. Our hope is that the Senate is able to take steps toward passing its bill this month. However, we expect the Senate wait until after the election to complete this work, and meanwhile work with the House on a continuing resolution that would fund the Arts Endowment and all other federal agencies at their current levels until sometime in December. While this outcome would certainly be preferable to a government shutdown, it nonetheless would be disappointing, particularly given the setbacks states are facing due to revenue shortfalls.

In the weeks ahead, NASAA will certainly keep you apprised of any developments in Congress. Specifically, if it appears that the Senate may consider funding for the Endowment this month, we will absolutely let you know when and how best to engage your senators.

I realize that this column reaches many of you during a time of extraordinary stress. I want to thank you for all of your hard work, and I hope that we can work together under brighter circumstances soon.
    [post_title] => CR in Forecast as Congress Deals with COVID-19 Impasse
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    [post_date] => 2020-08-03 16:44:26
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    [post_content] => At the time of writing this column, the House and Senate are engaged in an intense back-and-forth with the Trump administration over the size and scope of an expected COVID-19 relief bill. While at one time it was thought that this bill would be focused on restarting the economy, the recent surge in virus cases throughout the country has led policymakers to adjust course and concentrate on provisions that will support the health crisis still facing us.

Although details are still being finalized, it is expected the package will include an extension of benefits for people out of work, support for state and local governments, and increased funding for testing and contact tracing. While Congress is navigating these negotiations, a consequence has been that work on the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills has been slowed. As you likely saw, last month the House of Representatives approved legislation that would increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts from its current level of $162.5 million to $170 million. The bill also explicitly supports the federal-state partnership that allocates 40% of the agency's grant funds to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

At NASAA, we are extremely appreciative of Congress's continuing, bipartisan support for the Arts Endowment. It is important to note that the appropriations process began this year with the Trump administration once again recommending to Congress that it defund the Endowment. With that factor in mind, the proposed increase plus the considerable restraints on funding caused by the COVID-19 crisis underscore just how deep support for the agency is in Congress. Next, we wait for the Senate to begin its process. Given that Congress will soon adjourn for the summer, it is more likely than not that it will have to pass a continuing resolution in September to keep the government operational. This means that the Arts Endowment will continue to be funded at its current level ($162.5 million) until a deal can be reached, which probably will occur after the election.

Therefore, if you have the opportunity, please consider contacting your senators over the next month or so to let them know that you are supportive of the House's recommended level of $170 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and request that the Senate match it. In doing so, please urge continued support for the federal-state partnership and, as always, please take the opportunity to update the senator about developments within your agency.

I realize that this is a complicated and challenging time. If you have any questions about the status of this process, or anything else related to Congress, please don't hesitate to contact me.
    [post_title] => House Approves Arts Funding Increase, Senate Action Expected in the Fall
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => House Passes Arts Endowment Budget Increase
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    [post_date] => 2020-07-08 13:10:37
    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-07-08 13:10:37
    [post_content] => This week, Congress demonstrated once again that the growing, bipartisan support we've seen for the National Endowment for the Arts in recent years continues to thrive, even in the midst of an economic and health crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus. On Tuesday, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved an increase in funding for the agency of $7.5 million for fiscal year 2021.

The proposed funding level, $170 million, matches the request made by NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux, in her testimony before the committee in January, and that of other national arts service organizations. It also reiterates support for the Arts Endowment's historic partnership with states that directs 40% of all grant funds to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

While we are thrilled by this development, many steps still lie ahead. As of now, it is believed that the full House of Representatives will pass this bill by the end of the month. The process from there is less clear. The Senate is expected to begin work on and release its FY2021 appropriations bill soon after it resumes work next week.

The goal, of course, is to get all 12 appropriations bills completed and signed into law before the current fiscal year ends on September 30. Doing that, however, could be a challenge. Congress is expected to adjourn in early August for the presidential nominating conventions and then return to D.C. for only a few brief weeks in September, before again recessing until after the November elections.

As a result, it is likely that Congress will ultimately need to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government until at least after the election. In the meantime, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your senators and:

 	
thank them for supporting an increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts in the FY2020 appropriations bill;
 	
urge the Senate to adopt the House's funding figure of $170 million for the Arts Endowment in FY2021, and to include support for the federal-state partnership;
 	
share an update about your state arts agency, and describe how federal support for the arts plays an integral role in supporting your work.

I'd like to thank all of you for your hard work getting to this point. It is important to remember that we began this funding cycle with the president once again calling for the elimination of the Endowment. That Congress not only is opposed to that recommendation but also is supporting funding increases, particularly in this difficult environment, speaks to the efficacy of your work in the community. So thank you!
    [post_title] => House Bill Proposes Arts Increase; Contact Your Senators
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    [post_modified] => 2020-08-05 18:55:17
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    [post_date] => 2020-07-06 18:37:10
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => House Proposes Funding Increase for the Arts Endowment
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WP_Post Object
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    [post_author] => 3
    [post_date] => 2020-06-02 16:44:02
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    [post_content] => Following a busy May, the House and Senate return to D.C. this week with a full agenda on their plate. In addition to dealing with the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, leadership has stated its intention to try to pass all 12 fiscal appropriations bills before the July 4 recess. How Congress will manage to do that is uncertain, but here is what we expect to unfold over the next few weeks.

Perhaps as early as today, the Democratic leadership of the House of Representatives is expected to release a broad infrastructure proposal geared toward helping the economy rebound, with unemployment nationwide close to 40 million. This legislation is separate and apart from the HEROES Act, which the chamber passed last month and which included, among many things, more than $500 billion for state and local governments to offset revenue shortfalls caused by the shutdown of the economy this spring. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) remains committed to getting this provision enacted, though a path forward at this time is unclear. Republican leaders in the Senate have balked at the overall bill, saying it is too expensive and would not help revitalize the economy; however in recent days, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has signaled an openness to producing one more stimulus package (though he reiterated his opposition to the HEROES Act). All of this is to say that, while both parties agree on the priorities of supporting frontline communities and getting the economy back on track, they remain apart in figuring out the appropriate way to do that.

While these negotiations likely will ramp up this week, there is concurrent work under way to pass legislation funding the government for fiscal year 2021 (current funding expires at the end of September). Just last week, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), chair of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, said that the House bill, which includes the National Endowment for the Arts, is essentially written and ready for consideration, and the House is awaiting the opportunity to move ahead. A question on all of our minds is whether the economic crisis will cause appropriators to alter their funding priorities, and whether, as a result, the Arts Endowment could face funding cuts. So far, while not speaking about the Endowment specifically, staff have said that they have received no such instructions and are proceeding as they normally would. While this is good to hear, the situation is obviously fluid.

In terms of what to expect, we are certainly hopeful that the Arts Endowment will see yet another increase in funding, as the agency continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support. The challenge, even outside the context of everything happening in the country right now, is that the overall funding level for the federal government was not increased this year, which means that any increase in funding for the Endowment must be offset elsewhere. As you know, NASAA and other national arts organizations have asked Congress to fund the agency at $170 million, and we are hopeful an increase will occur. Either way, we remain steadfast in our appreciation of the bipartisan support the arts have received.

Once that bill is released and we have a sense of timing, NASAA will follow up with you to share information and guidance on how to weigh in with members of your congressional delegation. In the meantime, please stay safe, and thank you for your attention during this difficult time.
    [post_title] => Appropriations, Fiscal Budget, Economic Aid Compete for Congress's Attention
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    [post_date] => 2020-05-18 16:43:16
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => New Relief Bill Passes House, But Outlook Uncertain
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WP_Post Object
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    [post_date] => 2020-05-07 16:46:56
    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-05-07 16:46:56
    [post_content] => Like you, the federal government is trying to figure out how to go about doing the critically necessary work brought on by the COVID-19 crisis while also keeping its employees safe. Congress is no exception: as of publication, it is an open question when and how “normal” business will resume. In the meantime, Congress and the Trump administration continue conversations about a new round of emergency funding centered on addressing critical shortages.

For the time being, the Senate has returned to session and the House is expected to do so next week. When it does, it is widely believed that negotiations pertaining to that next relief bill will accelerate. While all discussions are evolving on an almost minute-by-minute basis, getting emergency funding for state and local governments is currently expected to be a part of the package. Other provisions under consideration include additional funding for unemployment insurance, COVID-19 testing programs and additional support for small businesses.

This legislation comes on the heels of a bill Congress passed last month (its fourth emergency relief package) that was aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-19 virus on communities across the country. Critically important to us as supporters of arts funding is that Congress is also continuing to work on appropriations bills for fiscal year 2021. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) reiterated that the House is still planning to pass all 12 appropriations bills by the end of June. So when the House of Representatives returns, it is possible that the draft budget for the National Endowment for the Arts will be released and a markup will occur almost immediately.

It is unclear what funding we can expect for the Arts Endowment. Last year, the agency got an increase of more than $7 million, and NASAA and other arts organizations have asked for a similar increase (to $170 million) this year. We are certainly hopeful that the House will propose funding the agency at or near that level, and we remain confident that Democratic and Republican members in Congress, who have been so supportive of the agency throughout, will continue to be so, even in these challenging times.

As always, NASAA will keep you updated as events occur. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have.
    [post_title] => Congress Considers How to Resume Business, Provide More Relief Funding
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    [post_modified] => 2020-06-03 19:28:50
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    [post_date] => 2020-04-23 15:43:51
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => More Relief for Small Businesses—But Not for States
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    [post_name] => more-relief-for-small-businesses-but-not-for-states
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    [post_date] => 2020-04-22 21:36:19
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => NASAA Requests More Federal Aid to States and Jurisdictions
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    [post_date] => 2020-04-07 19:42:35
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    [post_content] => Congress is currently out of session, a planned recess to accommodate the Passover and Easter holidays. It is scheduled to return on April 24, and when it does, it is widely believed that the House and Senate will begin negotiating another round of emergency funding to support the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

At NASAA, we are monitoring these developments closely and communicating regularly with members of the House and Senate to give them critical information about the impact of this disaster on artists and arts based organizations in our states, as well as to constructively advise how additional funding could support these hard-hit communities.

As you know, the House and Senate negotiated with President Trump a nearly $2 trillion relief package last month. The bill was intended to provide financial support for the health care sector to support the purchase of critically needed supplies, and for small businesses, low-and-middle income Americans, the unemployed, and industries like airlines and hospitality that have experienced an overwhelming and immediate decline in revenue. Many of these programs can provide much needed relief for artists and arts organizations.

The legislation also provided direct appropriations to the National Endowment for the Arts ($75 million), the National Endowment for the Humanities ($75 million), the Institute of Museum and Library Services ($50 million), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting ($75 million) and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ($25 million). Important to note that is that Congress also specified that 40% of all grant funds allocated to the Arts Endowment be directed to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

We appreciate that Congress understands the impact this crisis has had on the arts and culture industry in the United States. Moving forward, we will continue to work with Congress to provide reliable data about the impacts we are seeing across the country so that they can make informed decisions. During the negotiation of the previous bill, many of you reached out to me, which was enormously helpful. Moving forward, please do not hesitate to contact me at isaac@38northsolutions.com to share any information or to ask about legislation under consideration in Congress.
    [post_title] => Congress Eyes New Round of Disaster Relief Funding
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    [post_date] => 2020-03-26 12:23:40
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Arts Included in Federal Stimulus Bill
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    [post_status] => publish
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    [post_date] => 2020-03-20 17:44:43
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Contact Your Delegation Today: COVID-19 Arts Relief
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    [post_date] => 2020-03-02 16:27:52
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    [post_content] => Last month President Trump, for the fourth time in his presidency, called for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts. Although this proposal was anticipated, it is nonetheless disappointing and serious. While we have been successful in thwarting these proposals in the past—thanks to the robust advocacy of our members and partner organizations, working closely with our champions in Congress—there is no question that this year presents new challenges. We must be vigilant to make certain that no one takes the threat of elimination lightly.

Fortunately, support for the National Endowment for the Arts in Congress seems higher than ever. Shortly before the President's proposal was released, NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux testified before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee in support of the Arts Endowment's fiscal year 2021 budget. During that hearing, not only did members on both sides of the aisle react favorably to funding the agency at $170 million (the mutually agreed upon request among arts service organizations), but Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) said legislation should be considered to double the Endowment's budget over a period of time.

The next step in the process should happen soon, as the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee is expected to release its draft budget for the Endowment within the next few weeks. When it does, NASAA will be in touch with guidance on how best to engage in support of the agency.

In the meantime, I would encourage each of you to identify an exciting program or project currently being undertaken at your state arts agency that can serve as a case study for how the National Endowment for the Arts could better serve your community with an increase in funding. Congress continues to be under considerable pressure to reduce federal spending, so it is critically important that we are able to support our request for an increase in funding with tangible examples of the agency's effectiveness. Send your examples—or any questions you may have—to me at isaac@38northsolutions.com, or give me a call at 202-540-9162.
    [post_title] => President Trump Calls for Closure of National Endowment for the Arts
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    [post_date] => 2020-02-10 20:49:39
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Trump Administration Again Calls for Elimination of National Endowment for the Arts
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    [ID] => 10416
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    [post_date] => 2020-02-06 12:02:24
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    [post_content] => Historically, activity in Washington tends to be relatively uneventful in presidential election years because members of Congress from both parties prefer to be back in their home districts and states engaging in their campaigns. This year the expectation is no different, especially since control of the House, Senate and White House are closely contested.

While this limited schedule means a lot of important issues will likely be put on hold until next year, one bill that absolutely will be dealt with is the funding legislation for fiscal year 2021. Congressional leadership is already moving at an accelerated pace to try to ensure that a government shutdown will not be in play as the election approaches. February 4, when President Trump delivered the State of the Union Address, marked the unofficial kick-off of the appropriations season. That speech historically begins the funding process because it is the executive branch's vision statement for the year ahead.

With that speech having taken place, the House Appropriations Committee is already working on drafting appropriations bills for this year. NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux testified this morning before the committee in support of federal funding for the arts, asking the committee to fund the National Endowment for the Arts at $170 million for FY2021. This request, which was developed in collaboration with our arts advocacy partner organizations, would provide the Endowment with an increase of $7.5 million over its current funding level.

With the committee currently considering funding for the Arts Endowment, now is the time to contact your member of Congress—especially if you are represented by a member of the House Interior Appropriations Committee—and urge that they support the agency. Here are some points you can consider making:

 	
Thank the member of Congress for supporting an increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts in the FY2020 appropriations bill (which increased funding from $155 million to $162.5 million).
 	
Urge that they support an increase to $170 million in the next fiscal bill, while specifically noting that 40% of grant dollars allocated to the Arts Endowment goes directly to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
In asking for an increase, share a specific initiative or performance under way at your agency, and highlight how federal support for the National Endowment for the Arts helps to support this programming.

As always, NASAA will keep you updated as developments unfold. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have. You can reach me at 202-540-9162 or isaac@38northsolutions.com.
    [post_title] => 2020 Is Off to a Busy Start—Here's How You Can Help
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    [post_modified] => 2021-01-06 20:14:29
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    [ID] => 10351
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    [post_date] => 2020-01-06 21:28:31
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    [post_content] => Happy new year! Everyone at NASAA is very excited about what lies ahead for us in 2020. But before looking ahead, I'd like to reflect back on the end of 2019, which turned out to be a landmark year for the National Endowment for the Arts and its support in Congress.

As is often the case, negotiations for a funding package for the federal government continued right up to the deadline. Members of the House and Senate were ultimately able to reach an agreement with President Trump on a $1.4 trillion spending package that funds all federal agencies for the remainder of fiscal year 2020 (through September 30). Specifically for the Arts Endowment, Congress approved and the President signed legislation appropriating $162 million. This figure is an increase of $7.25 million over last year's budget and represents the greatest one-year bump in funding for the agency in a decade. Of importance to state arts agencies, in approving the bill Congress reaffirmed its support for the federal-state partnership, which allocates 40% of all Endowment grant dollars to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

With that bill now completed, we expect work to begin shortly on the FY2021 funding package. NASAA is already meeting regularly with our arts advocacy partners to determine our request to Congress for the National Endowment for the Arts. The first step in the process should come on or before the President's State of the Union Address on February 4, as that is typically when the administration delivers its budget request for Congress, initiating the appropriations cycle. While it is too early to say what funding level will be requested, we are certainly deeply appreciative of the strong bipartisan support the agency has enjoyed.

Beyond funding for the Arts Endowment, NASAA will continue to seek opportunities to expand access to the arts. Because this is an election year, not only for the presidency but for every House seat and one-third of the Senate, it is unlikely that large bills we have been monitoring, like the Higher Education Act, will get reauthorized; congressional leadership prefers to reduce members' time in D.C. to allow for campaigning. Nonetheless, we hope that we will be able to build on last year's success and are looking forward to working with all of you.
    [post_title] => Federal Arts Funding Success and Prospects
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    [post_date] => 2019-12-17 20:30:36
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    [post_title] => House Approves Funding Increase for National Endowment for the Arts
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    [post_date] => 2019-12-02 21:41:55
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    [post_content] => Members of the House and Senate came back to Washington this week for what is expected to be a busy and contentious work period. Current funding for the federal government is set to expire in less than three weeks (December 20), and while members of both parties are motivated to resolve differences and pass fiscal year 2020 appropriation bills under regular order, much work remains. Further complicating these negotiations is the impeachment process, which is expected to dominate the headlines and the attention of members of Congress.

In terms of funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, we continue to hear that discussions between the House and Senate on the agency's funding are progressing. As you'll recall, the House passed a funding level of $167.5 million for the Arts Endowment, an increase of $12.5 million over its current level, while the Senate approved a $2 million increase. Since then, the chambers have been working to find a middle ground. As usual, complicating matters for the Endowment is that its funding happens to be situated within the same bill that appropriates funding and policy directives for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Interior Department. With oversight of several of the more divisive issues between the parties, these two agencies have become lightning rods in the current environment, with the Democrat-led House strongly opposed to the actions taken by the Trump administration at both agencies.

This disagreement is important because, if a compromise cannot be reached, the House and Senate would have to pass another continuing resolution to fund all the agencies within that bill, including the Arts Endowment, regardless of whether any issues remain between parties over EPA and Interior. That would mean that Endowment would continue to be funded at its current level of $155 million until a deal on the entire bill is reached.

Hopefully, such a deal will be struck over the next few weeks. In the meantime, we at NASAA will continue to keep you apprised as the negotiations continue.

In this final Legislative Update column of 2019, I would like to thank you all for being so diligent in responding to NASAA's requests for action. I continue to hear from congressional staff that the strong relationships you are building are vital in helping them and their bosses understand why increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts is so critically important.
    [post_title] => Congress Aims to Pass Funding Bills before Holiday Break
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    [post_date] => 2019-11-06 15:58:08
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    [post_content] => With less than a month remaining before funding for the federal government expires on November 21, the U.S. Senate took a significant step forward when it passed its first fiscal 2020 spending package last week. Senators voted 84-9 on a $332 billion spending package, which combined four domestic spending bills covering the departments of Agriculture, the Interior (which includes the National Endowment for the Arts [NEA]), Commerce, Justice, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.

In passing this bill, the Senate approved an increase in funding for the arts endowment from its current level of $155 million to $157 million. While NASAA and other arts organizations had been encouraging the Senate to match the House-approved figure of $167.5 million, we are nonetheless extremely appreciative of the bipartisan support the agency received in the Senate throughout the process. Equally important to us at NASAA is that the Senate also affirmed its support for the federal-state partnership, which directs 40% of the NEA's grant dollars to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

What happens next is uncertain. Members in the House and Senate think it is unlikely that the two chambers will be able to negotiate differences between their bills before the 21st of this month, so a continuing resolution is being prepared to prevent the government from shutting down.

In the meantime, we at NASAA continue to weigh in with members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee to urge that they select a funding level at or near the House's figure of $167.5 million. Likewise, if you are represented by a member of one of those Committees (listed below), please feel free to contact them and make the following points:

 	
Thank them for their support of the NEA's budget.
 	
Remind them that 40% of the NEA's grant funding goes directly to states and regions, and as a result, any increase in funding will positively benefit their state.
 	
Take the opportunity to update staff about any interesting developments occurring within your agency.

Senate Appropriations Committee

House Appropriations Committee

NASAA will be monitoring the negotiations closely and keep you updated as developments occur. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have.
    [post_title] => Senate Approves NEA Funding
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    [post_date] => 2019-09-24 21:52:04
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Senate Subcommittee Approves Increase in Funding for the Arts Endowment
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    [post_date] => 2019-08-05 21:27:50
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    [post_content] => While Congress begins its annual August recess, it does so having confirmed Mary Anne Carter's nomination to lead the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). NASAA has thoroughly enjoyed working with Carter since she was appointed to a senior position with the agency early in 2017 and as her role has grown.

Though the approval of Carter to lead the arts endowment is an important step forward, the agency remains in a bit of limbo at the moment. As you are aware, earlier this summer, the House of Representatives voted to significantly increase the NEA's budget for fiscal year 2020, from its current funding level of $155 million to $167.5 million. In doing so, the House broke with the recent approach of modest funding increases for the agency that had been consistently approved by Congress in recent years. While we at NASAA join the entire arts community in strongly appreciating this demonstration of support, which will benefit state arts agencies and programs across the country, it is important to consider that the House's approval is only the first step in the process. The Senate, which has yet to release its proposal for the NEA, may choose a different funding level. Such a difference would not be at all uncommon, particularly in years like this one, with each chamber of Congress held by a different political party. The resulting disagreement may require members of the House and Senate to enter into a conference to try to negotiate the differences between their funding levels.

Therefore, if you are represented by a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, August is an excellent time to contact your senator and encourage them to support the House-approved level of $167.5 million for the National Endowment for the Arts. In doing so, we encourage you to make the following points:

 	
Thank the member's office for their strong support of the National Endowment for the Arts, particularly in recent years when the President has recommended eliminating the agency.
 	
Urge that the senator support funding the NEA at $167.5 million in FY2020. Convey that as a result of the federal-state partnership, 40% of all the agency's grant funding is directed to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. This unique agreement means that funding to the NEA reaches every state and congressional district in the country.
 	
Finally, try to relay how the increase in funding could support innovative programming occurring at your agency. Members of Congress and staff appreciate the opportunity to hear how an increase in funding, particularly during these difficult fiscal times, can benefit their communities. So if you know of an interesting arts demonstration or event, invite the senator and their staff to attend. This will help develop your relationship with the senator's office while also promoting the efficacy of your agency or organization.

With current funding set to expire at the end of September, we expect the Senate to move quickly when it returns after Labor Day. Given that it is August recess and members and staff are often home, that last point above is especially important. Take advantage of the fact that Congress is out of session to invite a senator and/or staff to visit you and learn firsthand about how federal funding for the arts is so invaluable to their community.

As always, if you have questions or need additional information on the direct benefits your state receives as a result of federal investment in the arts through the National Endowment for the Arts, please do not hesitate to contact the team at NASAA. Likewise, I am always available to answer any questions you might have at isaac@38northsolutions.com.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
    [post_title] => As August Recess Begins, NEA FY2020 Budget Still Uncertain
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    [post_date] => 2019-08-01 19:50:56
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    [post_title] => Mary Anne Carter Confirmed by Senate as Chairman of National Endowment for the Arts
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    [post_date] => 2019-07-09 19:43:05
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    [post_content] => Late last month, before adjourning for the July Fourth recess, the House of Representatives passed by a vote of 227 to 194 legislation that would increase National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) fiscal year 2020 funding from its existing level of $155 million to $167.5 million. While the vote was almost entirely along party lines, the partisan nature of the result is not reflective of the level of support the agency enjoys in the chamber: there is strong support for the NEA from members of both parties. Rather, the narrow passage was due to funding priorities for other agencies included in the bill that broke along party lines.

With the NEA's appropriation bill passed of the House, the Senate will soon begin consideration with a goal, albeit an ambitious one, to complete passage before Congress adjourns for the summer in late July. Until the Senate Appropriations Committee releases its draft proposal, we won't know whether there is support for the NEA's higher appropriation. So now that Congress is back in session, NASAA strongly encourages any members who are represented by a member of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to contact that office and voice support for funding the NEA at $167.5 million. In doing so, please consider the following talking points:

 	
Thank the member's office for their strong support of the National Endowment for the Arts, particularly in recent years as the President has recommended eliminating the agency.
 	
Urge that the senator support funding the NEA at $167.5 million in FY2020. In doing so, convey that as a result of the federal-state partnership, 40% of all the agency's grant funding is directed to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. This unique agreement means that funding to the NEA reaches every state and congressional district in the country.
 	
Finally, try to relay how the increase in funding could support innovative programming occurring at your agency. Members of Congress and staff appreciate the opportunity to hear how an increase in funding, particularly during these difficult fiscal times, can benefit their communities. So if you know of an interesting arts demonstration or event, invite the senator and their staff to attend. This will help develop your relationship with the senator's office while also promoting the efficacy of your agency or organization.

Given the deadline the Senate is operating under, we expect news to unfold quickly. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at isaac@38northsolutions.com.
    [post_title] => House Passes NEA Funding Increase
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    [post_date] => 2019-06-05 20:15:39
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    [post_content] => May was a great month in D.C. for the arts and state arts agencies! It began with NASAA holding a fantastic briefing in the U.S. Capitol examining the power of arts and culture to expand economic opportunities for the 60 million Americans who live in rural areas. The event was widely attended and included remarks from Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) as well as from Karen McCarthy, senior policy advisor to Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). As fantastic as this event was in highlighting the critical benefits that result from federal funding for the arts, we learned that it would just be the first positive step: later in May, the House Appropriations Committee approved legislation funding the National Endowment for the Arts at $167.5 million, an increase of $12.5 million over the agency's current appropriation.

In doing so, the House committee once again affirmed that, while partisan divides remain on contentious issues such as environmental regulation, support for the arts and the arts endowment continues to be an area of strong agreement. During the committee markup of the proposed legislation, members from both parties spoke about the valuable contribution the National Endowment for the Arts makes to the nation. The committee also affirmed the important role of state arts agencies, writing: "The bill includes funding to continue the longstanding collaborative relationship between the NEA and the States. State art agencies match NEA grant funds to support programs that respond to local needs in arts education, community development, cultural preservation, and arts access. More than 4,000 communities benefit annually from these programs."

At NASAA, we are especially grateful for the bipartisan leadership shown in the House to support an increase in funding for the endowment. In terms of the process, we expect the House of Representatives to vote on and approve the bill sometime this month. We also expect the Senate, which has already started hearings on certain aspects of the budget, to release its draft appropriations bill at some point this summer. We have already been in touch with Senate leadership to urge that they accept the increased funding level of $167.5 million. Once we have a sense of timing for the Senate, we'll be in touch about proactive steps you can take to support that process. In the meantime, if you are represented by a member of the House Appropriations Committee, please take a moment, if you haven't done so already, to call or e-mail their staff and thank them for their support for the NEA's increased appropriation.

As always, as the process continues to unfold, NASAA will be in touch regularly with updates and opportunities for engagement. Please don't hesitate to contact me at 202-540-9162 or isaac@38northsolutions.com if you have any questions.
    [post_title] => House Committee Approves Increase in Funding for the NEA
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    [post_date] => 2019-05-14 18:58:09
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => House Proposes Increase in Funding for National Endowment for the Arts
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    [post_date] => 2019-04-29 20:37:26
    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-04-29 20:37:26
    [post_content] => After a two-week recess for the Easter and Passover holidays, Congress returned to session this week for what may be one of the busiest work periods of the year. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has set an ambitious goal of completing all 13 fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills before July 4. Given that the House of Representatives has not yet held a vote on a single bill, the chamber has a lot of work to do.

As arts advocates, we certainly expect May to be critical. At the time of writing this column, the House Appropriations Committee has not released its draft of the FY2020 Interior Appropriations bill, which has within it the budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). As you know, the NEA is currently operating at $155 million, and NASAA and other arts organizations have asked Congress to increase that to $167.5 million for FY2020. We won't know for certain how this suggestion was received until both the House and Senate release their drafts, but we are already seeing signs that it was viewed positively in Congress. For example, in April, Congressional Arts Caucus Cochairs Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) co-led a letter to the House Appropriations Committee in support of the higher funding level for the agency.

Whether or not Congress ultimately decides to increase the NEA's budget this year, statements of bipartisan support should not be overlooked, particularly as the President continues to urge Congress to defund and eliminate the NEA. As events unfold this month, NASAA will be in regular touch with you to urge you to connect with your legislators about why federal funding—and increased funding—for the arts is so important. I encourage you to think about your agency and the interesting new programs you've been able to build and deploy, either as a direct result of NEA support or as a result of the federal-state partnership, which directs 40% of the NEA's grant funds to state and regional arts organizations. While there are many great reasons for Congress to support the NEA, I truly believe that arming members of Congress with tangible examples of how that funding impacts their districts and states is the most effective way we can support the agency and funding for the arts across the federal government.

I look forward to working with you over the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. I can always be reached at isaac@38northsolutions.com.
    [post_title] => NEA Increase: May Window Critical in Congress
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    [post_date] => 2019-04-03 19:12:31
    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-04-03 19:12:31
    [post_content] => Last month, when President Trump submitted his budget proposal to Congress for fiscal year 2020, it included a recommendation to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). While this was not unexpected, it is nevertheless disappointing, particularly given the critical leadership, programming and support that continues to be developed and implemented at the arts endowment.

The obvious question for all of us as arts advocates is, how do we channel this disappointment into constructive action? At NASAA there are several factors that keep us optimistic as the FY2020 budget process ramps up. First, we continue to have an excellent working relationship with current NEA Acting Chair (and presidential nominee) Mary Anne Carter and the entire team at the NEA. Second, despite this being the third year in a row the Trump administration has called for the agency's termination, bipartisan support appears stronger than ever. We have seen this over the last few years, as funding for the agency has increased in each of the previous two years, notwithstanding the President's position.

While there are clearly reasons to feel optimistic as the budget process moves forward, we cannot take anything for granted. In fact, it is more important than ever that members of Congress and their staff hear from state arts agencies about why funding for the NEA is so important. Therefore, if you have not done so already, I strongly encourage you to reach out to your members of Congress and make the following points:

 	
Thank them for their support of the NEA in the funding bill that passed earlier this year, increasing the agency's budget for fiscal year 2019 by $2 million (from $153 million to $155 million).
 	
Urge that they increase funding for the agency to $167.5 million for FY2020.
 	
Remind them that due to the federal-state partnership, 40% of all NEA grant funding goes directly to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Finally, update them on any new programming or developments at your agency, and invite the member and their staff to join you for a tour or to visit a program that you are particularly excited about.

I strongly emphasize this last point, because in asking for a larger increase this year than we have in recent budget cycles, it is especially important that we highlight all the important work that can be undertaken with an additional appropriation of this size. I am available if you have questions or concerns about how best to frame your conversation with a particular office.
    [post_title] => How to Get Buy-in for the NEA's FY2020 Budget
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    [post_date] => 2019-03-19 14:56:58
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => President Proposes Elimination of the NEA in New Budget
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    [post_date] => 2019-03-06 16:58:46
    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-03-06 16:58:46
    [post_content] => 2019 is off to a busy start. As you are aware, last month, with another government shutdown only days away, members of Congress and President Trump were able to reach an agreement to fund all federal agencies until the end of this fiscal year (September 30). In doing so, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was finally able to receive an increase of $2 million, raising its overall appropriation to $155 million. I use the term finally because both the House and Senate had agreed to increase the agency's FY2019 funding last year, but disagreements about budgetary issues unrelated to the NEA had stalled the process.

While it is welcome news that the agency is now operating with a budget of $155 million, we as arts advocates have no time to savor the moment. That is because work is already under way on FY2020 appropriations bills. In fact, just last week, NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux appeared before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to urge members of Congress to support funding the NEA at $167.5 million. That number is the new request that NASAA and other arts advocacy organizations made to Congress this week at Arts Advocacy Day. While the number is admittedly ambitious, particularly given the fact that we expect President Trump to once again call for the NEA's elimination, we feel that it is appropriate, thanks to the significant, bipartisan support of legislators who continue to fight for funding for the arts throughout the federal government and especially at the NEA.

Now that the FY2020 appropriations process is in full swing, I encourage all of you, particularly those who were not able to make it to D.C. for Arts Advocacy Day, to reach out to your elected members of Congress. In doing so, please stress the following:

 	
Thank them for their strong support for the NEA, including increasing its funding to $155 million.
 	
Urge them to support funding the agency at $167.5 million in FY2020.
 	
In making this request, make sure that they are aware that, due to the federal-state partnership, 40% of the NEA's grant funding goes directly to state and regional arts organizations and, as a result, every congressional district in the United States benefits from federal funding for the NEA.
 	
Finally, leave them with an update about events in their district or new initiatives being undertaken by your agency, and how NEA funding has supported them. Whether you are speaking to an elected official who is supportive of the agency or one who still needs to be convinced, this type of real-life information can be hugely impactful as negotiations about a specific funding level for the NEA get under way.

As always, please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or would like additional information. If you are not sure who your member of Congress is, you can use this link to get contact information.
    [post_title] => Urge NEA Funding of $167.5 Million for FY2020
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    [post_date] => 2019-02-15 17:02:34
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Congress Passes FY2019 Funding Bill with $2M NEA Increase
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    [post_modified] => 2019-09-10 17:03:18
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    [post_date] => 2019-02-05 22:50:31
    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-02-05 22:50:31
    [post_content] => When the federal government partially shut down, the 116th Congress began its term under unusual circumstances, forced to deal with complicated negotiations from day one. Now that the government has completely reopened, congressional leadership is working simultaneously both to find a solution that will fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year (the current agreement does so only until February 15) and to begin working on the new legislative agenda.

The primary objective of the new, Democrat-controlled House of Representatives is to begin working on infrastructure legislation. What that will actually look like at this point is unclear, but both Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and President Trump have spoken optimistically about the potential for bipartisan legislation that will help the nation upgrade its aging infrastructure.

Another area in which there seems to be bipartisan consensus is the hope that budget showdowns can be prevented moving forward, and that appropriations deliberations will be able to operate under the normal process, referred to as "regular order." To that end, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) budget, will begin holding hearings on the NEA and other agencies under its purview later this month.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee also announced its full membership. Please take a look and see whether you are represented by a member of the subcommittee. While every member of the House is important, these representatives have a direct role in shaping the NEA's budget each year:

 	
Betty McCollum, Chair (D-MN)
 	
David Joyce, Ranking Member (R-OH)
 	
Mark Amodei (R-NV)
 	
Derek Kilmer (D-WA)
 	
Brenda Lawrence (D-MI)
 	
Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
 	
Mike Quigley (D-IL)
 	
José Serrano (D-NY)
 	
Mike Simpson (R-ID)
 	
Chris Stewart (R-UT)
 	
Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)

And below are the Senate members of the Interior Subcommittee:

 	
Lisa Murkowski, Chair (R-AK)
 	
Tom Udall, Ranking Member (D-NM)
 	
Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
 	
Roy Blunt (R-MO)
 	
Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
 	
Steve Daines (R-MT)
 	
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
 	
Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
 	
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
 	
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
 	
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
 	
Jack Reed (D-RI)
 	
Marco Rubio (R-FL)
 	
Jon Tester (D-MT)
 	
Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

Also noteworthy, the President gave his State of the Union Address this week and is expected to release his budget recommendation to Congress soon. Each of the President's previous proposals have called for the elimination of the NEA, and we do not expect this year's to be any different. Therefore, as the process begins to unfold, NASAA encourages you to take the time to contact your members of Congress, particularly those on the House Appropriations Subcommittee, to urge them to continue supporting the NEA.

Although NASAA and our coalition partners have not yet settled on an NEA funding request for this year (we expect that to be announced shortly), it is still meaningful for congressional staff to hear about the value of federal investment in the arts. As always, please let them know that 40% of grant funding for the agency goes directly to state and regional arts organizations. With many new members of Congress sworn in last month, we have a lot of educating to do over the next few weeks and months to make sure their offices are aware of the many benefits associated with federal funding for the NEA.
    [post_title] => Connect with Congress on NEA Funding
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    [post_modified] => 2019-03-08 14:58:01
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    [post_date] => 2019-01-28 15:58:45
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Short-Term Funding Bill Reopens Federal Government
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    [post_date] => 2019-01-25 16:03:33
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => NEA to Resume Operations on Monday
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    [post_date] => 2019-01-07 17:32:27
    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-01-07 17:32:27
    [post_content] => Last week the new session of Congress, which included 101 new members of the House of Representatives and 10 new senators, was sworn into office. While leaders in both parties have major initiatives, the most immediate issue facing this new crew is an old one. The partial shutdown of the government, which began on December 21, continues, with both sides of the negotiations firmly entrenched in their positions and not indicating any signs of relenting soon.

At issue is whether Congress will meet the President's request for more than $5 billion in funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Until an agreement is reached, it is unlikely that any of the agencies currently without funding, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), will have their appropriations bills passed and signed into law. There have been efforts since the new year began to reopen the government, including the passage of legislation in the House of Representatives last week that would fund the NEA at $155 million (an increase of more than $2 million from its current level). But so far the Senate's Republican leadership and President Trump have refused to support that legislation because it does not, in their view, address border security.

While the shutdown dominates the focus of Congress, other business will go on. This week we should learn the composition of the House and Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittees, which have responsibility for setting the NEA's budget each year. In the House, we expect Betty McCollum (D-MN), the longtime highest ranking Democrat, to become chair this year. In the Senate, Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) will continue as chair. Both members have been strong voices in support of the Endowment, and we at NASAA look forward to working with Representative McCollum in her new role and to continuing our strong relationship with Senator Murkowski.

NASAA will keep you updated as committee rosters are populated. In the meantime, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your members of Congress to thank them for the bipartisan support that resulted in $2 million in proposed increased funding for the NEA, and to update them on any interesting developments happening within your agency. Whether your state has a new member in Congress or a returning one, it is important, before work on the fiscal year 2020 budget begins, to make contact and establish or reestablish your relationship.

I want to reinforce that while we know that this is a very uncertain time for all of you, NASAA is here to answer any questions you have. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at isaac@38northsolutions.com or 202-540-9162.
    [post_title] => You Can Connect with Congress Despite Shutdown
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    [post_date] => 2018-12-21 20:18:31
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Partial Government Shutdown to Include NEA 
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    [post_date] => 2018-12-07 15:16:12
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Congress Approves Short-Term Funding Extension
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    [post_date] => 2018-12-05 17:28:31
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-05 17:28:31
    [post_content] => With the 2018 midterm elections finally resolved and members of Congress from both parties thinking about 2019 and beyond, the one sentiment that appears to be unifying legislators from both parties is their desire to wrap up their work and adjourn for the remainder of the year. Despite this unifying preference, at the time of this writing congressional leadership and President Trump still appear to be far from reaching an agreement on funding for the seven agencies that are currently operating under a continuing resolution, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). With Congress limiting activity this week so that it can properly recognize former President George H. W. Bush in the Capitol, the House and Senate have passed a short-term funding bill that extends the current continuing resolution through December 21. The president is expected to sign the measure before midnight on December 7 in order to avert a partial government shutdown. But this short-term extension leaves many fiscal year 2019 funding issues unresolved.

The primary point of disagreement remains the President's position that any legislation continuing funding for the federal government must include substantial funding to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. To date, Democrats in the Senate have opposed the funding levels requested by President Trump, and since Senate rules require 60 votes to pass appropriations bills, Republican leadership will need at least nine Democrats to support the wall funding. What this impasse means for the NEA, unfortunately, is that until these differences are resolved, the agency will continue to be funded at $153 million, rather than the $155 million that was approved by the House and Senate earlier this year. It is quite possible that the ultimate decision will be to pass a longer continuing resolution that funds government agencies for several months.

As negotiations continue on funding, members of Congress are going about setting the agenda for next year. We fully expect the Democrat-led House of Representatives to focus on oversight duties, but it could dedicate a considerable amount of effort to trying to pass an infrastructure bill. NASAA plans to monitor these discussions closely and engage during this process to identify opportunities for artists and art focused organizations and state arts agencies to be a part of this process. In the meantime, if your organization has ideas about ways that funding for the arts could fit within the construct of an infrastructure proposal, please don't hesitate to let me know. You can reach me at any time at isaac@38northsolutions.com.
    [post_title] => Continuing Resolution May Continue…
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    [post_date] => 2018-10-10 16:53:40
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    [post_content] => A central goal for congressional leadership this year was to be able to complete work on all 12 appropriations bills, through regular order, before the fiscal year ended on September 30. This was an ambitious goal, as work on the fiscal year 2018 budget was not wrapped until late March, putting members of Congress about six months behind.

Despite this shortened time frame, considerable progress was made and both chambers completed their work on most appropriations bills—including the Interior-Environment bill, which includes funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). There was even optimism by mid-September as members of Congress from both the House and the Senate were engaged in intense negotiations to try to resolve differences before the September 30 deadline. As we reported, however, despite best efforts Congress was not able to complete the entire process. So while the departments of Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Labor, and Education are fully funded for FY2019, the remaining government agencies, including the NEA, will operate under a continuing resolution (CR) that extends existing funding levels until December 7.

In one respect this is welcome news, as neither party was particularly interested in the possibility of a government shutdown, particularly with the midterm elections about a month away. The result is nonetheless disappointing for arts advocates, as both the House and Senate had approved a $2 million budget increase for the NEA, to $155 million. Unfortunately, the fact that the agency is operating under a CR means that it will not immediately receive the increase in funds. It is our hope that, when Congress resumes work on the FY2019 budget after the election, it is able to resolve the remaining differences (none of which are related to the NEA) and can pass the remaining appropriations bills.

With remaining funding debates on hold for at least the next few months, members from both parties will focus on the midterm elections, where every representative and 35 senators are up for reelection. Control of both chambers is at stake, and so the next few weeks will certainly be intense.

As the elections approach, many have asked how the potential outcome of the election could impact our work with Congress on behalf of the NEA and the arts generally. The easy (but true) answer is that I am not sure. The current Congress has been an incredible ally in our work to support funding for the arts. It is easy to overlook now, but the NEA was in a very precarious place in early 2017. The Trump administration was calling for elimination of the agency and, with Republicans in control of both chambers, it was unclear whether they would be willing to directly contradict the wishes of their newly inaugurated President. Time and again, however, key members of Congress stepped forward and were tremendous champions for the arts. I am somewhat reluctant to name some of them, for I don't mean to minimize the valuable contributions of others, but I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the incredible support that members like Senators Murkowski (R-AK) and Udall (D-NM) as well as Representatives Calvert (R-CA), Simpson (R-MT) and McCollum (D-MN) have put forth in support of the NEA. Those Republicans, in particular, have expended much of their political capital, a valuable and limited resource in Washington, to protect the agency from potential elimination or severe cuts in funding.

As we look to 2019 and beyond, it is critical that we learn an important lesson from the past two years. The arts have truly become one of the few issues where legitimate bipartisan consensus exists on Capitol Hill. I am grateful for that, and I know it is the direct result of the thoughtful, dedicated advocacy that NASAA's members, and the arts community generally, has waged over the last few years. As we prepare for a new Congress next year, which undoubtedly will include a lot of new faces regardless of the parties in control, I look forward to working with all of you to continue our productive work.
    [post_title] => Congress Focuses on Midterms
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    [post_date] => 2018-10-01 15:35:26
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Congress Passes Short-Term Funding for the NEA
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    [post_date] => 2018-09-11 17:09:58
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    [post_content] => The House and Senate returned to session last week, after adjourning in August for the summer recess. They come back for an uncertain period of time, as the midterm elections are approaching and members from both parties want to head home for as long as possible to campaign for themselves and their colleagues.

There are, of course, a few things that Republican leadership and President Trump want to accomplish first. On the top of the agenda for Republicans this fall is completing the nomination process of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh spent most of the month of August meeting with as many senators as he could; the traditional first step in any confirmation is for the nominee to spend time alone (and off the record) with individual senators so that they may ask questions about the judge's philosophy and views on key issues. The next step commenced last week, when the Senate Judiciary Committee began confirmation hearings, during which Judge Kavanaugh testifies publicly about issues relevant to his potential lifetime appointment to the court. Assuming those meetings go well, it is all but certain that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will schedule a vote by the full Senate before the end of the month, so that Kavanaugh can be seated on the court before their session begins in October.

The other issue facing Congress this month that must be addressed is funding for the federal government. The fiscal year ends on September 30, and while Congress has made considerable progress this year on passing their bills through regular order, it is very likely that leadership will have to approve a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a government shutdown. That is because while there is agreement on most funding levels between the chambers, there remain some contentious issues that will be difficult to resolve so close to the election. The Interior Appropriations bill, which includes the budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), is a perfect example of this challenge. Both the House and Senate approved increasing the NEA's budget to $155 million, an increase of $2 million over its current level. However, when it passed its bill, the House included several non-funding related provisions, known as policy riders. Many of those riders, like the one preventing the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing certain environmental regulations, are strongly opposed by Senate Democrats. The House and Senate are now meeting to try to resolve the differences between the two bills and both sides are standing firm on their positions, making a compromise before the September 30 deadline unlikely.

While the duration of the CR is not known, all reports indicate that it will extend until the middle of November, when Congress will resume work after the election. Should this scenario play out, it would mean that, at least for the duration of the CR, the NEA would continue to be funded at $153 million, and would not receive the increase supported in Congress for fiscal year 2019 until an agreement on a longer-term funding bill is completed. While the process continues to unfold, I think it worth noting that, once again, despite areas of contentious disagreement unfolding around it, the NEA continues to receive strong, bipartisan support. I know that is due entirely to the dedicated advocacy of our members and our partner organizations, and I want to say thank you for that. NASAA will keep you apprised in the weeks ahead and let you know whenever there is news to report.
    [post_title] => NEA FY2019 Increase Waits in the Wings
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    [post_author] => 3
    [post_date] => 2018-08-08 15:14:58
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-08-08 15:14:58
    [post_content] => As we reported last week, the Senate passed legislation that would increase the appropriation for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) by $2 million, to $155 million, for fiscal year 2019. That action matched that of the House of Representatives, which voted for the same earlier this summer.

While these moves put the NEA in excellent shape, extenuating circumstances could impede the ability of Congress to complete its appropriations process before current funding expires on September 30. The first potential barrier is contentious policy issues. With the House and Senate each having passed its own Interior Appropriations bill, with agreement on funding for the NEA, members of Congress next go to conference to negotiate the differences between the two bills. Most significant is that, while the Senate's bill is considered "clean," meaning it doesn't include any language impacting policy, the House's version includes provisions that if enacted would drastically reshape the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Interior Department to regulate pollution. The inclusion of these, which are opposed in the Senate by Democrats and some Republicans, means that the House would have to relent and remove them if there is any chance of enacting the bill before September 30.

Secondly, with this being an election year—one that has every member of the House and one-third of the Senate up for reelection—the closer we get to Election Day, the more scrutiny this process receives. Already, the President has floated the idea of shutting the government down. While House and Senate Republican leadership has thus far rejected that notion, that group is not nearly as popular with rank-and-file Republicans in Congress as is the President. If President Trump applies pressure on Congress to create a shutdown, it may be hard to prevent it.

While this is undoubtedly frustrating news to read, it is important context. Fortunately, while Washington continues to be a contentious place, the NEA and the arts generally continue to garner significant bipartisan support that should continue to help us as we weather this complicated period. Particularly in light of the support we've received, please, if you haven't done so, take a moment to reach out to your elected members of Congress and thank them for their support for the arts.

Likewise, I want to thank all of you for your dedication this year. Your responsiveness made a big difference in once again successfully pushing back against a proposed elimination of the NEA.

I hope you're having a great summer!
    [post_title] => The Likelihood of an FY2019 NEA Funding Increase
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    [post_title] => Senate Approves Funding for the NEA
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    [post_date] => 2018-07-18 20:55:26
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => House Defeats Amendment Reducing Funding for the NEA
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    [post_date] => 2018-07-17 14:00:58
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => House Amendment Could Cut NEA Funding
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    [post_date] => 2018-07-10 15:48:36
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-10 15:48:36
    [post_content] => With the July 4th recess in the rear-view mirror and the midterm elections only four months away, members of the House and Senate expect to be working furiously over the next few months. So much work is left on the agenda that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has already announced his intention to cancel the August recess to allow for more floor time to advance the Republicans' legislative priorities.

At the top of the list is the confirmation of President Trump's second selection to the U.S. Supreme Court. On Monday, the President announced that he was nominating Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who currently serves as a U.S. circuit judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The process of reviewing and ultimately voting on Judge Kavanaugh's appointment is expected to begin shortly, with the judge visiting individually with Republican and Democratic senators to speak off-the-record about his views and approach. When those meetings have concluded, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a series of hearings to examine the judge's record, and if it votes to approve his nomination, the full Senate will vote to approve his confirmation as the next justice to the Supreme Court. It is difficult to predict the timing of the process, but Senator McConnell has stated his intention to move quickly.

The impact (and the timing) of this process on other legislative priorities isn't clear, but even before a Supreme Court vacancy emerged, Congress had a full docket before it, including passage of several critical bills, like the Federal Aviation Reauthorization bill, and more than a dozen pending appropriations bills for fiscal year 2019. Reaching agreement on appropriations bills will have the biggest impact on funding for the arts. As we've previously highlighted, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) fared quite well in both the House and Senate bills, with each proposing to increase the agency's budget by $2 million, to $155 million. While nothing is certain, the fact that both chambers have written that number into their bills makes it quite likely that that figure is locked for the NEA, as long as Congress is able to pass appropriations bills before September 30. As always, what is complicating matters for the NEA's budget is that included in those same bills is funding for politically sensitive agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior. So House and Senate members will have to sign off on those budgets as well. Hopefully, Congress can reach such an agreement before the deadline. If it does not, it will be forced to sign a continuing resolution, which would mean that the NEA would continue to be funded at its current level of $153 million for the duration of that bill's term.

In addition to increasing funding for the NEA, there is good news for other arts funding programs, as the Labor, Health and Education appropriation maintains $29 million in funding for the Arts in Education program at the Department of Education. Like the NEA, this program was targeted for elimination in President Trump's budget proposal, and its inclusion shows once again that members from both parties continue to recognize the value of arts funding throughout the federal budget.

So while things continue to look positive, the uncertain nature of everything in Washington at the moment will require all of us to remain vigilant to ensure that funding for the arts does not get caught up in some of the other contentious debates that are making headlines. NASAA will continue to monitor events closely and keep you apprised of any developments.
    [post_title] => NEA Well-Positioned As Congress Progresses on Appropriations
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    [post_modified] => 2018-08-08 19:35:49
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    [post_date] => 2018-06-15 13:35:05
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    [post_content] => Following the Memorial Day recess, Congress returned to session with a full agenda of must-pass bills it would like to tackle. Perhaps indicative of this full slate, the work period began with an announcement from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) that most of the August recess would be canceled to allow the Senate more time in Washington. Whether or not the leader follows through on this threat, it is clear that the Republicans in Congress and President Trump have an ambitious list of policy priorities they hope to achieve before the midterm elections this fall.

Among the items on that list is a reauthorization of the farm bill, legislation funding a border wall and, perhaps of highest priority to us as arts advocates, legislation funding the government for fiscal year 2019. With funding set to expire on September 30, House and Senate committees are hoping to pass legislation before the deadline that fully funds the government for the next year (rather than resorting to a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown).

A significant milestone in that effort was reached yesterday when the Senate Appropriations Committee passed legislation proposing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) of $155 million. This follows passage of the bill in the House Appropriations Committee last week (also at $155 million). Should that number be enacted, it would represent a $2 million increase over current levels and an overall increase of $7 million since President Trump took office. Also significant to state arts agencies, the legislation reaffirms support of the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of NEA grant dollars to state and regional arts organizations.

Congress's strong bipartisan support for the NEA in the last year and a half continues to validate the dedicated work of state arts agencies and our colleagues, as you demonstrate the powerful impact federal funding for the arts is having on local communities.

In the weeks and months ahead, NASAA will continue to monitor developments and keep you apprised of any opportunities to further engage your elected officials.
    [post_title] => Congress Affirms Support for NEA
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    [post_date] => 2018-06-14 18:28:44
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    [post_title] => Senate Committee Approves Budget for NEA
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Senate Committee Recommends Increased Funding for NEA
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    [post_date] => 2018-06-06 19:45:25
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => NASAA Testimony to House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, May 2018
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    [post_date] => 2018-05-15 16:04:27
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => House Proposes FY2019 Funding Increase for the NEA
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    [post_date] => 2018-05-02 15:04:33
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    [post_content] => Following a busy work period that included passing a large federal spending package that increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to $153 million, members of the House and Senate are currently out of session and are spending time in their districts. When they return on Monday, members of both chambers are expected to begin working in earnest toward legislation that will fund the federal government for fiscal year 2019. (The agreement reached last month was for the remainder of FY2018.)

In doing so, members of the House and Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittees (which have jurisdiction over the NEA's budget) face an uphill battle. Passing the omnibus bill last month was a significant accomplishment, but in doing so, legislators had to delay working on the FY2019 bill and now find themselves with a limited number of work weeks left. For context, in a normal year, the House Interior Subcommittee usually releases its proposed budget for the NEA and other federal agencies in its purview in late April and holds a hearing to consider that legislation soon thereafter. With public comments on the NEA's budget not even due to the committee until May 18, we will not see the proposed budget for the agency until the week of Memorial Day at the earliest.

Unlike in years past, when there was sufficient time between when the bill was released and when it was voted upon, we expect the tight time frame under which members will be working to make responding within that window almost impossible. Therefore, the time to reach out to members of Congress and staff on the Committee is right now. If you are represented by a member of either the House or Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, please contact them and make the following points:

 	
Thank the member for supporting increases in funding for the NEA. Since January 2017, the agency's budget has increased from $148 million to $153 million, all while under threat of elimination from the Trump administration.
 	
Urge the committee to support another increase in funding for the NEA, to $155 million, for FY2019.
 	
While making the request, take the opportunity to highlight new developments at your agency and remind the member's staff that 40% of all grant funding appropriated to the NEA goes directly to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

At a briefing hosted by NASAA last month in the Capitol to highlight the impact funding for the arts has on the U.S. economy, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), chair of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, reiterated her hope that Congress will once again be able to support an increase in funding for the NEA. We sincerely appreciate the senator's hard work on our behalf. It is now our responsibility as arts advocates to reach as many offices as we can to continue to build support for the NEA so that our champions in Congress, like Senator Murkowski, have the backing they need to convince their colleagues.

If you need any assistance in reaching out to your members of Congress, please do not hesitate to let me know. I sincerely thank all of you for your hard work on behalf of the NEA and the federal-state partnership, and I look forward to working with you again over the next few months as the appropriations season heats up.
    [post_title] => Congress Gears Up for Appropriations Push
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    [post_date] => 2018-04-04 16:09:24
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    [post_content] => After weeks of intense negotiations, House and Senate leaders last month were able to cobble together enough votes to pass legislation funding the federal government through fiscal year 2018 hours before reaching the deadline. In doing so, Congress was able to break a cycle of short-term continuing resolutions that, while allowing agencies to continue to receive appropriations, limited their ability to take decisions with long-term implications. With the bill now signed into law, Congress and the Trump administration must immediately turn to discussions related to the FY2019 spending bill, which will need to be passed by September 30.

For the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), passage of the bill was a major step forward. Not only is the agency now given the certainty it needs to operate properly, but having faced a recommendation of elimination by the President at the beginning of the FY2018 appropriations process, it actually ended that process with an increase in funding of about $3 million, raising the agency's appropriation to just shy of $153 million. In providing this level of support, Congress conveyed to the administration continued support for the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of the agency's grant dollars to state and regional arts organizations. Congress also encouraged the NEA and state arts agencies to continue to pursue programs that support wounded veterans through exposure to arts programming and therapy.

As fantastic as the last appropriations bill is, it is critical that we as arts advocates do not take anything for granted. Congress is currently in the midst of a two-week recess, but when it returns, it is expected to begin working on FY2019 appropriations legislation. As it did last year, the Trump administration has recommended eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts. While we saw strong bipartisan opposition to this proposal last year, and expect the same from our congressional champions this year, it is imperative that we continue to make the case for why the NEA merits continued support from Congress.

If you have the opportunity, please reach out to elected members of the House and Senate and thank them for supporting an increase in funding for the NEA. Please make sure they are aware that the agency is not out of the woods yet and continues to face the threat of elimination. Beyond this point, let them know about all of the interesting things that are currently happening at your state arts agency. It is important that we assure congressional offices that the increase in funding to the NEA will not be wasted, and that Congress can feel comfortable appropriating increases in the future. Finally, if you have an interesting event or performance coming up, invite the member of Congress and their staff to attend. Offering this firsthand exposure to the arts in their districts and states is invaluable in solidifying a member of Congress's support for the arts, making the connection tangible and real.

In the next few weeks, expect to hear more from NASAA as the appropriations process begins in full. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to be helpful.
    [post_title] => Congress Passes Funding Bill, Must Immediately Transition to Next Year's
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    [post_date] => 2018-03-23 13:32:24
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => FY2018 Spending Package Increases Funding for NEA
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    [post_date] => 2018-03-09 14:57:16
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    [post_content] => With Arts Advocacy Day only a few days away, we are at a critical point in time here in Washington. At this moment, members of Congress are working feverishly to wrap up work on fiscal year 2018 appropriations legislation while simultaneously beginning the process for FY2019. Because our champions on the Hill have a lot of work in front of them, it is especially important that arts advocates stay focused and on message in the weeks and months ahead.

Here is a snapshot of where we are at the moment: Funding for the federal government is set to expire on March 23, and legislators in both chambers are working furiously to meet that deadline. Their job was made a little easier last month, when, during the last budget negotiation, members of the House and Senate reached an agreement on overall spending for defense and nondefense spending for this fiscal year and next year. While many details remain to be settled (such as how that money should be spent), a major sticking point between the parties, total spending, is now settled.

The key detail for arts advocates to keep in mind is that, while that agreement gives Congress an additional $60 billion to spend on nondefense discretionary programs, the House has already passed legislation reducing the National Endowment for the Arts's (NEA) budget for the year by $4 million. In your meetings with your members of Congress next week, it is critical that you remind them that our ask for FY2018 is $155 million, which would represent a $5 million increase over the NEA's current level of $150 million. We are also asking Congress to fund the agency at $155 million in FY2019.

As always, should you be in D.C. for meetings or just communicating with your legislators by phone or e-mail, remember to ask that Congress continue to support the partnership agreement between the NEA and states that allocates 40% of the agency's funds to state and regional arts organizations. This unprecedented collaboration provided state arts agencies with $47.7 million in fiscal year 2017, and when paired with approximately $360 million in state appropriations, supported more than 23,000 grants in 16,000 communities across the United States.  In fact, combined, NEA and state arts agency grant awards reach all 435 federal congressional districts. This makes a profound impact and means that we can draw a straight line for legislators from funding for the NEA to their home districts.

For additional information and approaches to consider when meeting with policymakers, please take a look at NASAA's NEA Fact Sheet and Five Essential Arts Arguments. For those of you coming to town next week, we look forward to seeing you. For those of you who won't be here, rest assured that there will be many opportunities to engage your members of Congress as this process continues to unfold.
    [post_title] => Arts Advocacy Opportunities
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    [post_author] => 2
    [post_date] => 2018-02-13 01:51:32
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-02-13 01:51:32
    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Statement on Proposed Elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts in 2019
    [post_excerpt] => 
    [post_status] => publish
    [comment_status] => closed
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    [post_modified] => 2019-03-08 15:04:09
    [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-03-08 15:04:09
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    [post_date] => 2018-02-13 01:50:06
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => New White House Budget Proposes NEA Elimination
    [post_excerpt] => 
    [post_status] => publish
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    [post_name] => new-white-house%c2%ad-budget-proposes-nea-elimination
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    [post_modified] => 2018-08-06 15:34:27
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    [post_date] => 2018-02-09 21:10:31
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-02-09 21:10:31
    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => Congress Reaches Agreement on Short-Term CR and Process for Longer-Term Bill
    [post_excerpt] => 
    [post_status] => publish
    [comment_status] => closed
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    [post_name] => congress-reaches-agreement-short-term-cr-process-longer-term-bill
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    [post_modified] => 2018-03-15 15:19:31
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WP_Post Object
(
    [ID] => 8272
    [post_author] => 3
    [post_date] => 2018-01-22 17:42:35
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-01-22 17:42:35
    [post_content] => January 22, 2018
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 18:02

After failing to reach an agreement last week, spurring a shutdown of the federal government, congressional leaders were able to pass legislation today extending federal funding until February 8. In return for voting in support of the bill, Democrats received an assurance from Republican leadership that a vote on immigration legislation would be held in the next few weeks.

With passage of the funding legislation, the National Endowment for the Arts will continue to be funded at its current level of $150 million, while Congress negotiates a longer-term bill. As those discussions continue, NASAA will continue to update you regarding any relevant information.
    [post_title] => Congress Agrees on Short-Term Funding Measure, Government Resumes Operations
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    [ID] => 8271
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    [post_date] => 2018-01-19 17:41:30
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-01-19 17:41:30
    [post_content] => 



January 20, 2018
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 18:01As of 12:01 a.m. today, the federal government has no appropriation of funding from Congress. As a result, a partial federal government shutdown is now in effect. Most federal offices—including the National Endowment of Arts—are closed. The shutdown comes after weeks of negotiations between President Trump and congressional leaders. How long the shutdown will last is unclear at this time. Members of Congress are expected to negotiate throughout the weekend, and a vote can be called whenever an agreement is reached.

NASAA will closely monitor this situation and make you aware of any developments. I am available to answer any questions you have, and can be reached at isaac@38northsolutions.com or 202-540-9162.



    [post_title] => Congress and President Unable to Agree on Funding Legislation, Shutdown Begins
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    [post_name] => congress-president-unable-agree-funding-legislation-shutdown-begins
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WP_Post Object
(
    [ID] => 8183
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    [post_date] => 2018-01-03 17:51:38
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-01-03 17:51:38
    [post_content] => President Trump and congressional Republicans secured their most substantial victory since assuming office last year when they passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the most significant change to the nation's tax code in 30 years. While passage of that bill is truly noteworthy, there isn't much time to celebrate as the President and members of Congress return to D.C. this week. Waiting for them are a series of important pieces of legislation that will require action in the next six months.

The most pressing and immediate item is funding the federal government. Last month, with funding set to expire, Congress agreed on a one-month continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating through the holidays. That legislation expires on January 19 and negotiations are expected to begin in earnest this week. Members on both sides of the political aisle hope to be able to negotiate a long-term funding bill. Such a bill will likely require democratic votes in the House of Representatives and will require Democratic votes in the Senate (where 60 votes are necessary to pass an appropriations bill). This political reality makes passing a long-term spending bill complicated. At one point last summer, it appeared a deal had been reached. Democrats would provide votes for a long-term bill in return for a vote on legislation providing relief to immigrants who came to the United States as a children and are now facing deportation. Those negotiations, however, have not appeared to advance beyond the initial progress made last summer, putting the deal in jeopardy. Should Congress be able to reach such a deal, we continue to urge members of the House and Senate to accept the recommendation of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee regarding funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): $150 million, or level funding, for fiscal year 2018.

As negotiations around the budget intensify, Congress is already girding itself for what could be the most explosive debate of this congressional term. You may recall that in 2011, President Obama and conservative Republicans engaged in an intense standoff related to the debt ceiling and whether Congress should use its authority to approve an increase. Ultimately, a compromise was reached whereby Congress agreed to raise the limit in return for a statutory reduction in federal spending known as sequestration. The debt ceiling will once again need to be raised this year, likely in late spring. As a result, members of Congress and the Trump administration (which supports raising the limit) are already working behind the scenes to secure enough votes for an increase. What remains to be seen is whether the more conservative members of the Republican caucus will be able to raise a similar level of opposition.

While many other issues may arise, these are the most immediate matters facing Congress and the Trump administration as work resumes this week. We also expect the President to release his FY2019 budget recommendations to Congress either later this month or in early February. Although we made significant strides in Congress last year to mount opposition to the President's call for elimination of the NEA, we could face the same recommendation from the President this year. NASAA will monitor all of these developments closely and keep you apprised of any that could impact state arts agencies.
    [post_title] => Congress Has a Busy Year Ahead
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    [post_date] => 2017-12-08 19:24:37
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    [post_content] => December 8, 2017
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel

With the deadline for federal funding set to expire today, the House and Senate last night reached an agreement on a short-term continuing resolution that keeps the government operating at current levels until December 22. As a result, the National Endowment for the Arts will continue to be funded at its existing level of $150 million.

Congress now has an additional two weeks to try to reach an agreement on a longer-term spending package. Congress can choose to pass another continuing resolution should such an agreement prove elusive.

NASAA will continue to monitor this situation and keep you apprised of any developments.
    [post_title] => Congress Approves Short-Term CR, Appropriations Negotiations Continue
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    [post_date] => 2017-11-28 19:29:19
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    [post_content] => November 20, 2017
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel

This afternoon the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee released a draft bill containing a proposed budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fiscal year 2018. The bill recommends $150 million for the NEA, an amount matching the agency's current funding levels. Today's Senate bill recommends a higher funding amount for the NEA than did a bill passed by the House in September, which proposed $145 million for the NEA, a $5 million reduction from current levels.

A timetable for next steps has not yet been set. Congress is out of session for the Thanksgiving holiday. When the Senate returns next week, all energy will likely be focused on tax reform legislation which will be on the floor for debate. While the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee could hold hearings next week, they have not yet scheduled a meeting to do so.

With many members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff already away for the break, we suggest the following action steps: if you are represented by a member of the subcommittee, please contact your Senator's office next week (preferably Monday). Please make the following points:

 	
Thank your Senator for the subcommittee's support for the NEA;
 	
Reference the federal-state partnership, which sends funding directly to your state;
 	
Use the opportunity to highlight a program or event funded by your state arts agency as an example of the value derived from federal investment in the arts.

While the timing and next steps are not entirely clear, we expect to learn more soon. Federal funding for fiscal year 2018 is set to expire on December 8th, so Congress will need to either move quickly or pass another short-term Continuing Resolution to keep government agencies operating.

NASAA will keep you updated and will advise you of next steps.
    [post_title] => Senate Subcommittee Recommends $150 Million for NEA
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    [post_date] => 2017-11-07 19:25:40
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-11-07 19:25:40
    [post_content] => With only a few working weeks left on the schedule before Congress plans to adjourn for the year, members of the House and Senate are working at a furious pace on several vital pieces of legislation they hope to wrap up before 2018. Taking priority has been tax reform legislation. This is a key pillar in President Trump's campaign platform, and Republicans in Congress have taken the most significant steps toward passing substantial changes to federal tax policy since 1986.

The bill, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would significantly alter the IRS code for corporations and individuals filing taxes in the United States. While NASAA is not taking a formal position on this legislation, we are monitoring its progress closely, as some provisions could impact arts organizations moving forward. Of primary importance: the legislation preserves both the IRA rollover for charitable giving as well as the charitable deduction for filers who itemize their tax returns. A complicating factor in the legislation, however, is that one of the key tenets of the bill is that the standard deduction for individuals and married couples would nearly double. The thinking is that more Americans would likely opt to use such a deduction rather than itemize their returns. The authors of the legislation hope that this increased deduction, coupled with lower overall rates, will free Americans to contribute funds to charities as they see fit. It is also worth noting that for individuals who still itemize their returns, the bill would increase the limit on charitable deductions for cash gifts.

While the pathway to passage for this bill remains uncertain, the fact that it has been introduced and appears to have significant Republican support represents a significant step forward for the bill. It also means that much of the oxygen in Washington for other issues is being consumed. One clear example of this is the appropriations process, which had been on course to be finalized before December 8, the deadline by which current funding for the federal government is set to expire. While a government shutdown is not a concern at this time, Congress may have to resort to another short-term continuing resolution to keep the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and other agencies funded while key members of Congress in both chambers focus their efforts on the tax bill. In fact, a few weeks ago, it appeared as though the Senate would soon introduce and pass its funding bill for the NEA. That bill has been delayed and there is no news at this time as to when it may be up for consideration.

As Congress continues work on tax legislation as well as the appropriations bill, NASAA will keep you up to date. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
    [post_title] => Appropriations Process in Holding Pattern, Tax Reform on Agenda
    [post_excerpt] => Work in Congress on appropriations is taking a back seat to work on tax reform. Here's where arts issues fit into the picture …
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    [post_modified] => 2017-12-12 19:21:28
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    [post_date] => 2017-09-14 21:08:10
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-09-14 21:08:10
    [post_content] => September 14, 2017
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel

This afternoon, the House of Representatives approved legislation funding the federal government for fiscal year 2018. That legislation, which passed by a vote of 211-198, would fund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $145 million, a $5 million reduction from its current level.

The House having completed its work, attention now turns to the Senate, which has yet to release a draft proposal of the NEA's budget for the next fiscal year. We expect that to happen soon, and NASAA will keep you apprised as this situation develops to let you know when it would be best to contact your senators on the agency's behalf.

With Congress having passed a continuing resolution to fund the federal government at current levels until December 8, we do not expect it to complete its work on the FY2018 budget until that date approaches.
    [post_title] => House Passes FY2018 Funding Bill
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    [post_modified] => 2018-02-28 17:03:21
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WP_Post Object
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    [post_date] => 2017-09-07 20:08:36
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-09-07 20:08:36
    [post_content] => The House and Senate returned from the August recess to a full plate of legislative must-dos. At the forefront, of course, was passing legislation to fund the recovery effort from Hurricane Harvey. Also pressing were legislation funding the federal government (with current allocations set to expire at the end of the month) and a bill to raise the federal government's debt limit (which had to happen before September 30 as well).

While most expected negotiations to be intense and up-to-the-last-minute, President Trump and congressional leaders met on September 6 and unexpectedly emerged with the contours of a deal, which came to fruition. At publication, President Trump was expected to sign legislation providing $8 billion to support the hurricane recovery, a three-month approval for the Treasury Department to increase its debt limit and a three-month continuing resolution that funds all government agencies at their current levels.

What this means for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in the short term is good news. Although funding for the agency has not passed in either chamber yet, the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved legislation that would reduce its funding by $5 million (from $150 million to $145 million). However, by passing a three-month continuing resolution, the NEA will be able to continue operating at its current funding level until December 8, rather than having to absorb the House's proposed cut.

What will happen after December 8 is unclear. In terms of the process, the House of Representatives could hold a vote on the Interior Appropriations bill (which includes the NEA's budget) next week; the Senate Interior Appropriations bill is expected to be released next week as well. It is our hope that the Senate committee, which has heard from a significant number of state arts agencies about how the House's proposal would be negatively impactful, will consider level funding or a small reduction. When that bill is introduced, NASAA will be in touch with an alert to inform you of their proposal and how we can best influence the process moving forward.

As the events of this week demonstrate, policy continues to move in unexpected ways. What continues to remain constant, however, is strong bipartisan support for the National Endowment for the Arts and the federal-state partnership.
    [post_title] => Congress Agrees on Spending Plan
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WP_Post Object
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    [ID] => 7416
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    [post_date] => 2017-08-08 14:25:13
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-08-08 14:25:13
    [post_content] => This week marks the beginning of August recess, traditionally a slow period in Washington, when Congress is out of session and members of Congress and staff return to their home districts. In a year of many unusual twists and turns, however, next month will be a little different than the norm. Although Congress has adjourned until after Labor Day, the appropriations process is so far behind schedule (the Senate Appropriations Committee has not even released its draft bill) that, when they return, members from both parties will have to work at a feverish pace to conclude the process before the end of the fiscal year (September 30).

What this means is that we are at a critical point in the appropriations process. After President Trump called for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in his budget request to Congress in the spring, last month the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee (which has jurisdiction over the NEA's budget), considered and passed the agency's budget for fiscal year 2018. That legislation funds the agency at $145 million, a decrease of $5 million from its current level. Any reduction in funding to the NEA is significant and cannot be overlooked, but neither should the leadership House Republicans took in passing a bill with only a modest cut in funding. Historically, when the same party controls both the White House and Congress, the legislative branch has taken the President's lead in shaping the budget, particularly in the first year of a new administration (when the President's popularity is highest).

The House Committee's approval of a budget for the NEA at $145 million last month is important because it not only sends a strong signal that Congress supports the agency's existence, but it also creates an opportunity for the Senate to increase funding. As you know, NASAA and other arts organizations joined forces this spring in asking Congress to fund the agency at $155 million. While that figure may not be attainable given the current pressures facing Congress, it is our hope that it will give Senate Republicans the space to increase funding for the agency above the House's $145 million figure.

Further complicating matters is that current funding for the federal government expires on September 30. As a result, negotiations between the President, the House and the Senate will likely come down to the wire, and it is certainly possible that Congress could pass a continuing resolution funding the federal agency at current levels for part or all of FY2018.

Regardless of which legislative scenario unfolds, continued advocacy will be needed if the NEA is to survive its most serious threat since the mid-1990s. We've made tremendous progress so far, thanks to the committed, bipartisan efforts made by advocates across the country to empower our congressional champions in the House and Senate who stood up for the NEA and must continue to do so moving forward. NASAA is monitoring this situation closely, and will be in touch with talking points when the timing is right for further outreach to key members in the Senate. In the meantime, I want to sincerely thank all of you for your constant attention over the past eight months. I have no doubt it has made all the difference. Let's keep up the great work to ensure the arts continue to benefit Americans across the nation.
    [post_title] => NEA Budget Approved in Committee, Awaits Further Action
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    [ID] => 7153
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    [post_date] => 2017-07-19 18:44:38
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-07-19 18:44:38
    [post_content] => July 19, 2017
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel

Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the fiscal year 2018 budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $145 million. The legislation now awaits consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives, which could come any time between now and September 30 (when current funding expires). While amendments to the legislation during floor debate are possible, it is likely that House leadership will not permit such activity in order to maintain the delicate balance the bill has thus far struck to win support of the Republican caucus.

What this means is that our best opportunity to increase funding for the NEA for FY2018 is in the Senate, where we await release of its draft proposal. Therefore, if you are represented by a senator on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee (which has jurisdiction over the NEA's budget) and have not done so already, please contact their office (list below) and make the following points:

 	
Urge the senator to oppose the President's proposal to eliminate the NEA and ask that the agency be funded at $155 million, particularly if you think the member would be willing to entertain an increase in the current political environment. At the very least, urge the member to support the NEA's current funding level of $150 million.
 	
Request continued support for the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of the NEA's grant dollars to state and regional arts organizations.
 	
To support your request for an increase in funding in this difficult budget environment, discuss an interesting development or program at your agency and invite the senator and staff to participate when they are home.

Again, we at NASAA sincerely appreciate your attention and efforts to support the NEA at this critical time. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee

Republicans

 	
Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Chair
 	
Lamar Alexander (Tennessee)
 	
Roy Blunt (Missouri)
 	
John Hoeven (North Dakota)
 	
Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), Senate Majority Leader
 	
Steve Daines (Montana)
 	
Shelley Moore Capito (West Virginia)

Democrats

 	
Tom Udall (New Mexico)
 	
Dianne Feinstein (California)
 	
Patrick Leahy (Vermont)
 	
Jack Reed (Rhode Island)
 	
Jon Tester (Montana)
 	
Jeff Merkely (Oregon)
 	
Chris Van Hollen (Maryland)

    [post_title] => House Committee Advances NEA Budget
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    [post_date] => 2017-07-12 12:02:13
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    [post_content] => July 11, 2017
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel

This afternoon, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee released its draft budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fiscal year 2018. In its bill, the committee proposes funding the agency at $145 million, a reduction of $5 million from the agency's current funding level. While this level is not ideal (NASAA and other arts organizations were seeking an increase to $155 million), it is significant that the committee did not endorse the President's request for elimination of the agency or propose a substantial cut in funding.

With the draft of the bill released, the committee plans to hold a hearing tomorrow, July 12, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, to mark up the legislation. It is at that time that the committee may consider an amendment to adjust the NEA's funding level.

If you are represented by a member of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I urge you to contact their office and make the following points:

 	
Thank the committee for rejecting the President's proposal to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts.
 	
Urge the member to support (at least) the NEA's current funding level of $150 million. (Acknowledge the arts community's $155 million request if you think the member would be willing to entertain an increase in this political environment.)
 	
Urge that the committee continue to support the federal-state partnership that allocates 40% of all NEA grant funds directly to state and regional arts organizations.
 	
Try to contextualize the proposed cut to the NEA by highlighting some of the recent projects and events you've undertaken at your state arts agency.

NASAA appreciates your willingness to contact members of Congress during this important time. We will continue to keep you updated as events unfold.

Below is the list of members of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee:

Republicans
Ken Calvert, California, Chairman
Mike Simpson, Idaho
Tom Cole, Oklahoma
David Joyce, Ohio
Chris Stewart, Utah, Vice Chair
Mark Amodei, Nevada
Evan Jenkins, West Virginia

Democrats
Betty McCollum, Minnesota, Ranking Member
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Derek Kilmer, Washington
Marcy Kaptur, Ohio
    [post_title] => House Proposes NEA Funding Reduction
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    [post_date] => 2017-06-16 14:00:02
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    [post_content] => Last month, President Trump released his full fiscal year 2018 budget request to Congress. That document calls for significant increases in spending for the departments of Defense (more than $50 billion) and Homeland Security (more than $3 billion). To offset these increases, some agencies would experience substantial reductions in funding (the Department of Education would see a $9 million cut, while the Environmental Protection Agency would experience a 31.4% reduction of its current budget), and others, like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), would be eliminated.

News of the President's recommendation, while not surprising, is both disappointing and concerning. There are, however, several important factors to consider. First, the President's request is not a binding document. Rather, it is treated by Congress as an expression of the executive branch's policy priorities. Historically, even when Congress is controlled by the same party as the President's, the legislature has viewed the President's request as a wish list from which it picks and chooses policies to support.

Despite this being the first year of the Trump presidency, Congress is expected to once again demonstrate its independent authority over this process. In fact, in the days immediately following the release of the President's budget, several influential Republicans in Congress spoke publicly about it being "unrealistic." While we will know more in the coming weeks when the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee (which has jurisdiction over the NEA's budget) releases its FY2018 bill, it appears that support in Congress for eliminating the NEA is severely limited. Comments made both publicly and privately by senior members of Congress indicate that the days are long gone when the agency was viewed as a lightning rod or as divisive; today, the NEA is largely viewed by congressmen and senators of both parties as an efficient agency that supports states, economic development and communities throughout the country.

One need look no further than the appropriations bill for the remainder of FY2017, which passed overwhelmingly in Congress and which was signed by President Trump in early May, to appreciate the strong support for the NEA. In that bill, Congress "commended" the agency for its programs providing arts therapy to veterans and their families and expressed "support" for the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of grant dollars to state arts agencies, as well as increasing funding for the agency by $2 million.

The fact that Congress was willing to express such strong support for the agency last month, despite the fact that it was aware that the President was seeking a cut of $15 million for the agency in FY2017 and outright elimination in FY2018, makes clear that Congress is willing to support the agency regardless of pressure from the Trump administration. To ensure that this support is able to continue, we as arts advocates must continue to be vigilant and to communicate regularly with our House and Senate members about why investing in the National Endowment for the Arts must continue.

We expect the House Interior Appropriations Committee to release its first draft of the NEA's budget for FY2018 in the next few weeks. When it does, I will be in touch immediately with information on what that bill entails as well as how best to respond. As we saw last month, there are many members of Congress on both sides of the aisle working to protect the NEA's interests. It is therefore going to be incumbent on all of us to make sure that every member understands the value and positive impact that will result from continued federal support for the arts.
    [post_title] => Congress Ramps Up Budget Process
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    [post_date] => 2017-06-06 17:17:39
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => NASAA Testimony Urges Congress to Fund NEA
    [post_excerpt] => In written testimony sent to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, NASAA urges Congress to appropriate $155 million to the National Endowment for the Arts for federal FY2018.
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    [post_date] => 2017-05-10 03:38:12
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    [post_content] => 
May 5, 2017

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 17:05


Today President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017, which NASAA told you about on Monday. This budget includes funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $149.8 million, a $2 million increase from the previous level, through September 30.

This is great news for arts advocates—but we must continue our bipartisan efforts to secure NEA funding for FY2018. Please see NASAA's Advocacy Tools for compelling arguments and actions to support the NEA and its work.
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    [post_date] => 2017-05-01 03:37:58
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    [post_content] => May 1, 2017
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 17:04

After Friday's short-term extension to allow for further negotiations, congressional leaders announced that they have reached an agreement on a spending package to fund the federal government through the end of September (the remainder of fiscal year 2017). This agreement would avert a government shutdown later this week.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017, funds the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $149.8 million, an increase over the agency's current funding level of $148 million. The spending directives accompanying the bill affirm the federal-state partnership allocating 40% of the NEA's grant funding to state and regional arts agencies. The legislation commends the NEA for its work with active-duty military populations and supports the expansion of its healing arts program to additional clinical care sites. As in the past, Congress urges state arts agencies to explore art therapy programs that support service members and their families.

The House and Senate are expected to vote on the legislation this week, before the current continuing resolution expires.

When work concludes on the funding bill for FY2017, Congress is expected to begin working on an aggressive schedule on appropriations legislation for FY2018. NASAA will keep you apprised of that work and of opportunities to urge support for the arts endowment.
    [post_title] => FY2017 Funding Agreement Announced
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    [post_date] => 2017-05-01 18:28:49
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    [post_content] => April 28, 2017
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel

With funding for the federal government set to expire at midnight, Congress quickly passed a short-term spending agreement today to keep the government open for another week. Negotiations on a larger funding bill for the remainder of the fiscal year are progressing, but congressional leadership and the White House ultimately agreed that a short-term continuing resolution was necessary to allow for time to finalize those deliberations. Under the one-week agreement, funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (currently $148 million) is not altered. Republican leadership expressed confidence that another bill to set spending levels for the remainder of FY2017 will pass in advance of next Friday's deadline. NASAA will continue to keep you updated as negotiations continue.
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    [post_date] => 2017-04-05 02:07:54
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    [post_content] => While NASAA and other arts organizations were in the midst of responding to the news that the Trump administration was proposing elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in its fiscal year 2018 budget, details emerged last week that the administration also was encouraging Congress to consider reducing the agency's budget by $15 million for the remainder of the current fiscal year.

This proposal is especially problematic given the schedule of NEA grant cycles. Any cuts to the NEA's remaining FY2017 grants budget would have an acute impact on state arts agencies, because state Partnership Agreement awards are determined in the spring, with award start dates typically beginning in July. This point is especially important because—in addition to our outright opposition to any reduction in funding to the NEA—it is incumbent upon NASAA and state arts agencies to communicate to legislators that the latest proposal is especially impactful on states and must be rebuked by Congress.

I want to thank those of you who were able to attend Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., last month. The timing of the conference could not have been more beneficial, and the feedback we've received from members of Congress so far has been quite positive. If you were not able to attend this year, now is the time to contact your legislators and urge them to support the NEA. The government is currently operating under a short-term continuing resolution that is set to expire on April 28. Consequently, Congress is negotiating with the White House on the terms of a bill to fund the government until the end of the fiscal year (September 30). In contacting your members of Congress, please consider the following points:

 	
Urge them to oppose the President's proposals to reduce the NEA's FY2017 budget and eliminate the NEA in FY2018.
 	
Make sure to emphasize that a cut to the 2017 budget would impact state arts agencies.
 	
Highlight a recent event or program undertaken by your agency.
 	
Congress begins a two-week recess on April 8. If the opportunity presents itself, invite the member and their staff to take a tour. These visits help build a relationship with the elected official, while also providing an opportunity to reinforce the fact that funding for the NEA benefits every congressional district in the United States.

With the Trump administration making sweeping proposals to cut funding for federal programs far beyond the NEA, it is critical that Congress hears from us that cuts to the agency are unacceptable. Beyond the above talking points, feel free to consult NASAA's Advocacy Tools for helpful suggestions. If you are unsure whom to contact in Congress, use these links to identify your House and Senate delegations now. In urgent times like these, reaching every member of Congress is impactful—and it is especially important if your state is represented by one of the following members of either the House or Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittees:

House Committee

Republicans
Ken Calvert, California, Chairman
Mike Simpson, Idaho
Tom Cole, Oklahoma
David Joyce, Ohio
Chris Stewart, Utah, Vice Chair
Mark Amodei, Nevada
Evan Jenkins, West Virginia

Democrats
Betty McCollum, Minnesota, Ranking Member
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Derek Kilmer, Washington
Marcy Kaptur, Ohio

Senate Committee


Republicans
Lisa Murkowski, Alaska, Chair
Thad Cochran, Mississippi, Chair of Full Committee
Lamar Alexander, Tennessee
Roy Blunt, Missouri
John Hoeven, North Dakota
Mitch McConnell, Kentucky, Majority Leader
Steve Daines, Montana
Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia

Democrats
Tom Udall, New Mexico, Ranking Member
Diane Feinstein, California
Patrick Leahy, Vermont
Jack Reed, Rhode Island
Jon Tester, Montana
Jeff Merkley, Oregon
Chris Van Hollen, Maryland

Thank you for your timely outreach and enthusiasm in support of the National Endowment for the Arts. Congress has heard loud and clear that the NEA is a valued part of the federal government. By continuing to make this case, I am confident that we, along with our champions in Congress, will be able to preserve the NEA and make it even stronger moving forward.
    [post_title] => President Proposes FY2017 NEA Cut
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    [post_date] => 2017-03-29 02:41:12
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    [post_content] => 
March 28, 2017

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel

On Friday, the White House issued a list of proposed budget reductions for the current federal fiscal year (FY2017). The Trump administration sent Congress a list of $18 billion in suggested cuts in order to make funds available for an immediate increase in national security spending.

The White House's list of suggested cuts includes a $15 million reduction in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant funding for FY2017. Although the document sent to Congress has not been made public by the administration, news sources indicate that it recommends reductions to scores of domestic discretionary programs, including the Department of Education, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Justice, the National Institutes of Health and others. It includes a recommended $15 million reduction for the National Endowment for the Humanities as well.

Given the schedule of NEA grant cycles, any cuts to the NEA's remaining FY2017 grants budget would have an acute impact on state arts agencies. State Partnership Agreement awards are determined in the spring, with award start dates typically beginning in July.

Please contact your House and Senate delegations now. Urge them to sustain the NEA at its current funding level ($148 million) for the remainder of federal FY2017. NASAA's Advocacy Tools offer helpful talking points. Your timely outreach is important because Congress is expected to take action on the FY2017 budget very soon. The continuing resolution that currently authorizes flat funding for all federal agencies expires on April 28. To avert a federal shutdown, Congress needs to pass legislation that determines funding levels for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Remember that Congress—not the President—holds ultimate authority over the federal budget. Your outreach to Congress will help to keep the NEA FY2017 budget intact in the days ahead. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
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    [post_date] => 2017-03-16 02:41:08
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    [post_content] => 
    [post_title] => NASAA Statement on Proposed Elimination of the NEA
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    [post_date] => 2017-03-16 02:41:06
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    [post_content] => March 15, 2017
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel

This morning, President Trump submitted his administration's first budget request to Congress.The proposal calls for an elimination of all funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in fiscal year 2018.

If this budget is enacted, the elimination of the NEA would have dire consequences for every state. For a synopsis of what's at stake, please see NASAA's Statement on Proposed Elimination of the NEA, issued early this morning.

This is the first—not the final—step in the FY2018 appropriations process. The President's request outlines his administration's policy priorities. However, Congress holds the constitutional authority to appropriate funds to federal agencies. Congress needs to hear from you that elimination of or radical reductions to the NEA are unacceptable to taxpayers.

NASAA has been preparing for months for this scenario. As Congress begins work on its own budget bills, we are already working with champions on Capitol Hill to deploy a bipartisan strategy for pushing back. Here's how you, your council members and constituents can help right now:

 	
Contact your House and Senate delegations. Urge them to oppose the President's request and provide full funding for the NEA.

 	
See if your state is represented on either the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee or the Senate Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. If so, your outreach to these committee members will be especially influential.

 	
Remind your delegation that 40% of the grant dollars appropriated to the NEA go to states and regions. These funds address state priorities. Rural and low-income areas would be disproportionally hurt by the elimination of the agency.

 	
Use your social media channels to propagate this legislative alert, Fact vs. Fiction: Government Arts Funding and Five Essential Arts Arguments.

A reminder about fiscal years: Recall that state Partnership Agreement funds from the NEA are typically committed in March and used in the following state fiscal year. So today's proposal to eliminate the NEA in federal FY2018 would affect most states' FY2019 activities.

As events unfold, NASAA will keep you up to date. In the meantime, please don't hesitate tocontact me if you have any questions.
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    [post_date] => 2017-03-14 01:42:22
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-03-14 01:42:22
    [post_content] => After months of speculation, President Trump and his administration are expected to release their first budget request for fiscal year 2018 this week.The release of any new administration's first budget is highly anticipated and there is wide-ranging speculation about what budget actions the Trump administration will recommend.

As a staunch supporter of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and of arts funding across the federal budget, we at NASAA stand with you in anticipation of the budget's release. It is our hope that the President does not, as some reports have indicated, call for significant cuts or an outright elimination of the NEA. In the event, however, that that is the President's request, please consider these important points:

 	
The President's budget request is in no way a binding document. It is the means through which the executive branch communicates its preference for how federal funds are allocated. Congress has the constitutional responsibility to appropriate federal funding for agencies.
 	
As a result, in recent years, the budget proposal, regardless of the party in control of the White House, has become more of a political document than a policy document. Recent presidents have tended to use the budget proposal as a means of highlighting overarching long-term goals rather than specific policies they hope to implement in the next fiscal year.
 	
The NEA has strong, bipartisan support in Congress. The importance of this should not be ignored. As recently as two weeks ago, in response to strong testimony in support of the NEA from a Democratic member of the Appropriations Subcommittee (which has jurisdiction over the NEA's budget), Subcommittee Chair Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) responded, "As you know, there's always been bipartisan support for these programs and I suspect that there will be in the future, too."

When the budget is released later this week, NASAA will be prepared with information about the request and how state arts agencies can most effectively respond. Ideally, we will be strategizing about how to raise funding for the NEA, but in the event we are dealing with significant threat, please know that we are ready to engage on your behalf.
    [post_title] => Awaiting Trump's Budget Request
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    [post_date] => 2017-02-08 01:28:30
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-08 01:28:30
    [post_content] => Washington is abuzz with activity. After years of gridlock brought on by policy disagreements between the Obama administration and the Republican leadership that controlled both chambers of Congress, that party is now in control of both the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. Historically, one-party control leads to busy and productive governing periods in Washington. The last time one party controlled both branches, 2009-2011, was one of the most historic windows of legislative lawmaking in American history. In that window, President Obama, working with a Democrat-controlled Congress, was able to pass into law several sweeping pieces of legislation, including health reform (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), financial reform (the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act), and the stimulus bill (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).

It is with this historical context, and the fact that President Trump was elected on a sweeping platform, that Washington has been girding itself for another significant period. The President campaigned on promises to repeal the Affordable Care Act, reform the tax code, renegotiate international trade pacts, and implement significant new policies and laws related to immigration. All of these initiatives require at least some congressional action, so members of Congress are working at a furious pace to try to begin the process and devise these significant and complicated pieces of legislation.

There is, however, an important variable that has delayed this work, and that is direction from the new administration. President Trump and his team ran a different type of campaign, often bucking traditional norms, on the way to the White House. Since his inauguration on January 20, President Trump and his team have signaled that they expect that style to continue. As a result, policymakers and advocates are left with very little information about the new President's views on several issues of governance. Never has this been more true than in setting funding levels for federal agencies. As you may recall, rather than passing legislation last December that would fund the federal government until the end of the fiscal year (September 30), Congress, at then President-elect Trump's request, opted for a shorter-term bill that funds government agencies only until April 28. As a result, any negotiations on funding bills for both the remainder of fiscal year 2017 and FY2018 should be accelerating. They aren't, because the Trump administration has not indicated to Congress its plans, at the highest levels, for funding specific federal agencies.

I emphasize this point to illustrate the need to view the report that emerged from The Hill in January within the broader reality in which we live today. That story identified two people working on the Trump transition team who were urging soon-to-be members of the President's staff at the Office of Management and Budget (a very powerful office within the executive branch that oversees federal spending and regulatory policy) to incorporate provisions of the Heritage Foundation's Blueprint for Reform: A Comprehensive Policy Agenda for a New Administration in 2017. That report calls for a drastic downsizing of the federal government and elimination of a wide range of federal agencies and offices, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

This report was met by arts advocates with justifiably significant concern. The fact that there were members of the then President-elect's transition team with those views is deeply troubling and warrants significant discussion among all of us about how we, as a community, want to respond to this potential threat to the NEA. As we look forward, I want to raise a few important points:

 	
There is no indication at this time that that report, including the specific recommendation to eliminate the NEA, has any support from the Trump administration. Recently, two senior political aides to the President were assigned to the National Endowment for the Arts as the first step in transitioning the agency. Both have stated in meetings that they requested the assignment and support the agency's underlying mission.


 	
While there is a huge unknown with regard to the Trump administration's vision for reshaping the federal government, there is an equally significant known variable, in that the current Republican leadership in Congress has been in place for seven years. Through the handiwork of arts advocates we've created strong, bipartisan relationships with members of Congress who understand the value of the NEA. It is these strong relationships that allowed for proposed increases in NEA funding by both chambers of Congress last year ($2 million in the House and $500,000 in the Senate).


 	
Should the President propose a significant reduction or outright elimination of the NEA's funding, NASAA and our colleagues at other arts service organizations are organized and prepared to mobilize. Fortunately, such a step is not possible without the support of Congress.

While it is difficult for all of us to wait to hear from the administration about its intentions, there are proactive things we can all do right now to support the NEA and its federal funding. I urge you to consult the guidance in NASAA's The Practical Advocate series:

 	
Three Simple Ways to Advocate for the Arts
 	
Fact vs. Fiction: Government Arts Funding
 	
You Can Shape Policy
 	
Five Essential Arts Arguments
 	
Being an Arts Ambassador (especially for council members)

Establishing relationships now, before work on the President's budget begins, is always important, but this year it is absolutely critical. Because Congress is already behind in devising an appropriations bill for fiscal years 2017 and 2018, staff will have to work on an accelerated time line to finish their work once they get the President's budget request. As a result, it may be very difficult for staff to make meetings with the wide-ranging constituent groups that will be seeking out the opportunity to make their case for funding. Therefore, building a rapport now will yield tremendous benefits once the appropriations process begins.

As is always the case, I am grateful to each of you for being so diligent in making the case for why federal support for the NEA and state arts agencies is so important. NASAA will continue to keep you updated as events unfold, and please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.
    [post_title] => Facts: Arts and the White House
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    [post_date] => 2016-06-14 02:41:11
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    [post_content] => 
June 14, 2016

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 16:03

This morning, the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee advanced legislation funding several agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). That legislation recommends increasing funding for the NEA (currently at $148 million) by $500,000 for fiscal year 2017. The full Senate Appropriations Committee announced that it plans to consider and approve the legislation during a markup hearing this Thursday morning.

The modest increase in funding, only $500,000, is disappointing, particularly because it is lower than the $2 million increase (to $149.85 million) proposed by President Obama and currently being considered in the House of Representatives. That being said, it is important to keep in mind that, in advancing this bill today, the Interior Subcommittee approved legislation that cuts the overall funding for agencies included within the bill (which, in addition to the NEA, includes the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior) by $125 million.

As the full Senate Appropriations Committee prepares to consider the legislation on Thursday, I urge any of you represented by one of the members of the committee to reach out to that office and make the following points:

 	
Acknowledge that the committee, while reducing overall funding within the bill, did increase funding for the NEA.
 	
Then urge the senator to support increasing funding for the NEA to at least the $2 million figure supported by the president and the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Add, for context, that NASAA and other arts advocates are urging NEA funding at $155 million.
 	
Thank them for Congress's continued support of the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of all grant dollars appropriated to the NEA to state arts agencies (SAAs).
 	
Let them know what your agency is doing and how important NEA funding is to your operations.

As I mentioned when the House bill was introduced a few weeks ago, while NASAA supports the legislation as currently drafted, we greatly appreciate your outreach to these offices for at least two reasons. First, even in years where funding for the NEA is increased, members of Congress want to know what their constituents think. Second, in addition to approving the appropriations bill, the committee will approve a yet to be released committee report that accompanies the legislative text; this report sends directive language to the executive branch regarding how Congress believes the administration should spend the funds. It is in this text where support is usually expressed for the allocation of 40% of NEA program funds to SAAs, as well as other priorities for SAAs. Therefore, having committee members hear from state arts agencies and their supporters will only help us as that document is developed.

Thank you for your continued attention and efforts. It makes all the difference!
    [post_title] => Senate Advances NEA Funding Bill
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    [post_date] => 2016-05-24 02:45:40
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    [post_content] => May 24, 2016

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 16:02

This morning, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) budget, released its draft bill for fiscal year 2017 appropriations.

Included within the bill is a proposed funding level of $149.85 million, an increase of $2 million over the agency's current funding level. That number matches the president's requested amount and demonstrates the bipartisan support the agency continues to receive from Congress. NASAA continues to urge Congress to increase the NEA's budget to $155 million, but appreciates the proposed increase in funding for the agency, particularly given that Congress continues to encounter strong pressure to reduce domestic discretionary spending.

With the bill now proposed, the committee will hold a mark-up hearing on the legislationtomorrow, May 25, at 11:00 a.m.  Given the limited time before the hearing is to begin, if you are represented by a member of the Interior Subcommittee, we urge you to contact that member and express the following:

 	
Urge them to support the proposed NEA funding level of $149.85 million.
 	
Thank them for Congress's continued support of the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of all grant dollars appropriated to the NEA to state arts agencies.
 	
Let them know what your agency is doing and how important NEA funding is to your operations.

NASAA developed these NEA Fast Facts that may make useful talking points.

We will continue to monitor events in D.C. as this situation unfolds and will keep you up to speed.
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    [post_date] => 2016-02-09 02:45:42
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    [post_content] => February 9, 2016

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 16:01

This morning, President Obama released his fiscal year 2017 budget proposal to Congress. This document, which is not binding, expresses the Obama administration's policy priorities for the coming fiscal year and makes recommendations for agency funding levels.

In his FY2017 budget proposal, the president is urging Congress to fund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $149.8 million, an increase of nearly $2 million over current funding. While we are disappointed that the administration did not seek a higher level of funding, we are pleased that for the second year in a row an increase in funding for the agency was proposed. This will serve as an excellent starting point when arts advocates from throughout the country come to Washington, D.C., next month for Arts Advocacy Day.

With the budget now proposed, Congress will begin the process of writing and considering appropriations for all federal agencies and the NEA, with the goal of having a budget passed and signed into law before current funding expires on September 30.
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    [post_date] => 2015-12-22 10:48:58
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    [post_content] => December 22, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:17

As indicated in last week's Legislative Alert, the fiscal year 2016 federal budget bill recently signed into law appropriates $147,949,000 to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This represents a $1.9 million increase for the arts agency. As historically has been the case, 40% of the grant funds associated with that increase are set aside for state and regional arts organizations.

Yesterday, the House and Senate appropriations committees released report language accompanying the budget bill. The report contains several provisions of note for state arts agencies:

 	
Congress affirms explicit support of the 40% allocation to state arts agencies.
 	
Congress praises the NEA's direct programmatic work in its Healing Arts Partnership program with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.
 	
The report urges state arts agencies to explore providing arts therapy programs to service members and their families at the local level. This is encouragement, not a requirement.

You may recall that NASAA's FY2016 action plan, approved by the membership in October, identifies arts and military programs as a key issue area. In the months ahead, NASAA will help your agency consider your options. We will identify and share models of state arts agency practices. We also will provide forums for the exchange of ideas, strategies and guidance on developing programs and partnerships at the state level. Stay tuned, and be sure to keep us apprised of your efforts on this front
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    [post_date] => 2015-12-16 11:02:31
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    [post_content] => December 16, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:16

Late last night, House Speaker Paul Ryan announced that Congress had reached a deal with the Obama administration on legislation funding the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2016. The legislation calls for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to be funded at $147.9 million, an increase of almost $2 million over the agency's FY2015 level. The fact that Congress chose to increase funding for the agency in this highly partisan environment demonstrates the tremendous progress that has been made to educate members of both parties about the value of federal support for the arts.

With the deal now reached by leadership, rank-and-file members are expected to have until late Thursday, at the earliest, to consider the legislation before voting on passage. Therefore we encourage you to reach out to your elected officials in Congress and urge them to support this budget deal. In doing so, please thank them for their support for the NEA and remind them that 40% of grant dollars appropriated to the NEA go directly to state arts agencies.

As events unfold, NASAA will continue to keep you updated.
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    [post_date] => 2015-12-10 11:02:16
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    [post_content] => December 10, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:15

Today, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law. The law, which revises the No Child Left Behind Act enacted in 2001, provides states greater autonomy in setting school standards and curricula. It includes arts and music among subjects that comprise a "well-rounded education." My December NASAA Notes column provides further details on the arts education content of the law.

The next step in the process is for the U.S. Department of Education to provide states with guidance about implementing ESSA. NASAA will keep you informed as this activity progresses.
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    [post_date] => 2015-12-01 11:02:18
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    [post_content] => December 1, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:14

After weeks of negotiations, House and Senate leaders announced Monday that they had reached an agreement on a framework for legislation that amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the nation's preeminent law governing public schools. Should the legislation pass in both chambers of Congress as expected, it would be the first time since the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted in 2001 that the law has been updated. The legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act, would provide states and local education agencies greater autonomy in setting curricula and standards.

The National Governors Association has endorsed the bill. NASAA is not taking a formal position on the full legislation (which contains many provisions not applicable to the arts), but we applaud the provisions it contains that support arts education in America's schools.

A more substantive summary of the Every Student Succeeds Act will be forthcoming in the December issue of NASAA Notes, but we want to make you aware now of some of the significant provisions that impact the arts within the bill.

The legislation eliminates all "Core Academic Subjects" and in their place creates a definition for a "well-rounded education." The legislation defines the term as "courses, activities, and programming in subjects such as English, reading or language arts, writing, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, geography, computer science, music, career and technical education, health, physical education, and any other subject, as determined by the State or local educational agency, with the purpose of providing all students access to an enriched curriculum and educational experience" (emphases mine). All of these subjects are allowable, but states would enjoy flexibility to choose among them. It is also important to note that the subjects listed in the definition of a well-rounded education—including arts and music—are specified as eligible uses of Title I funds within the bill. Title I funds are the largest pool of federal resources dedicated to ensuring equitable access to a complete education for all students.

Additional arts provisions of note in the bill:

 	
Funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is maintained, and arts and music education are explicitly identified as being eligible for funding.
 	
Also significant is that the programs currently supported by the Department of Education's Arts in Education fund would continue under the new legislation.
 	
The legislation encourages states to integrate "other academic subjects, including the arts, into STEM programs . . . ."

While timing for this legislation is uncertain, it appears likely that the House will vote on the legislation this week, with the Senate set to follow next week. NASAA will keep you updated as events unfold. We sincerely appreciate the efforts made to advance arts in education as this bill advanced. There is no question that the successes outlined above are a direct result of your hard work.
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    [post_date] => 2015-10-30 11:02:19
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    [post_content] => October 30, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:13

With Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) set to retire at the end of the week, Republican congressional leadership and President Obama reached an agreement that would increase federal spending levels for domestic and defense programs over the next two years, while also suspending the congressionally instituted debt limit until early 2017.

In reaching this accord, two potential political land mines have likely been averted. The deal should eliminate any chance of a federal government shutdown for the duration of the legislation, while also removing the possibility of a standoff between the White House and Congress over whether to raise the debt limit.

It is important to note that the agreement is not an appropriations bill, meaning that it does not set funding levels for individual agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Those levels will be determined by the appropriations committees, which already are working to pass legislation before the current funding bill expires on December 11.

While the budget agreement will raise the cap for domestic spending by approximately $40 billion over two years, that money will be appropriated among domestic agencies as Congress sees fit (as long as the president agrees to sign the bill). As a result, most agencies will continue to be funded at current levels for the remainder of this fiscal year. As it did when Congress began the FY2016 budget process, NASAA urges the House and Senate to fund the NEA at $155 million for the remainder of FY2016.
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    [post_date] => 2015-09-30 11:02:20
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    [post_content] => September 30, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:12

With funding for the federal government set to expire at midnight this evening, the House of Representatives passed legislation today that will keep government agencies funded and operating until December 11. The bill matches legislation passed in the Senate earlier this week and is expected to be signed into law by President Obama shortly.

The legislation, known as a continuing resolution (CR), is not a formal budget bill, but extends funding for all federal agencies at their current levels. As a result, the budget for the National Endowment for the Arts will remain at $146 million. It is unclear at this time whether Congress will attempt to pass a formal budget in December, or once again use a CR to keep agencies operating.

Passage of the CR was in doubt for much of the month, as leaders in both chambers struggled with whether to include language that would prohibit funding for Planned Parenthood, language opposed by President Obama and most Democrats. With the passage of this bill, that issue is temporarily tabled, but is expected to remain a key facet of future negotiations.
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    [post_date] => 2015-07-17 11:02:21
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    [post_content] => From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:11

July 17, 2015

Yesterday, the Senate passed with bipartisan support (81-17) the Every Child Achieves Act, which would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the nation's most substantive federal law overseeing public education. The vote comes one week after the House of Representatives passed its own version of the bill, the Student Success Act.

The bill passed in the Senate was carefully crafted and negotiated by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), the committee's top Democrat. It includes several provisions supported by NASAA, including preservation of the arts as a core academic subject and eligibility of the arts in preschool education funding as well as after-school initiatives.

The House and Senate are expected now to go to conference to negotiate the differences between their bills. The differences in the approaches being taken by the two chambers are significant for the arts: the House act eliminates a federal definition of core academic subjects, which is where arts education has been referenced as an eligible Title I expenditure in the past. Depending on how negotiations proceed, each chamber could vote on a compromise bill in the fall.

We also want to note that fiscal year 2016 Interior Appropriations bill, which includes the budget for the National Endowment for the Arts and appeared headed for passage last week, has stalled due to disagreements with portions of the legislation unrelated to the arts endowment. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and let you know if and when the bill comes up again for a vote.
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    [post_date] => 2015-07-08 11:02:22
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    [post_content] => From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:09

Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, by a vote of 218-213. The bill passed along party lines, with no Democrats supporting the measure.

As we reported earlier, this bill represents the most significant progress made toward amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act since the law was last reformed in 2001. That law, the No Child Left Behind Act, expired in 2006, and efforts to work on the law since have failed. Should it become law, H.R. 5 would alter significantly the role of the U.S. Department of Education in setting and funding public education programming in the United States. Most specifically, the bill eliminates the Core Academic Subjects definition under Title I of the law that has been a bedrock principle of education policy in the United States, and in its place provides grants directly to states and local education agencies to define and fund policy priorities.

While not taking a position on H.R. 5, NASAA and other arts advocates have long supported the Core Academic Subjects provision because it identifies the arts as a subject eligible for federal funding under Title I.

Despite the success of today's vote, the chances of this legislation becoming law are in doubt. Earlier this year, the Obama administration issued a Statement of Administration Policyasserting that it would veto the legislation if it were to pass in both chambers. The Senate is considering its own legislation, the Every Child Achieves Act, which has been carefully negotiated between Senate Education Committee Chair Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and the panel's top Democrat, Patty Murray (D-WA).

Also of note: The House of Representatives is expected to approve the fiscal year 2016 budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) very soon; NASAA will send you an alert when that occurs. As of publication, the NEA's current budget of $146 million is expected to be preserved.
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    [post_date] => 2015-07-06 11:02:23
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    [post_content] => From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:08

When Congress returns to session Tuesday it is expected to consider several pieces of legislation that impact the arts.

National Endowment for the Arts

As we noted in an alert two weeks ago, the House of Representatives is expected to continue debating the Interior Appropriations Bill, which includes funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fiscal year 2016. That legislation currently funds the agency at $146 million, or level funding. The bill is being considered under an "open rule" that allows any member of the House to introduce an amendment impacting the agency (either positively or negatively). Should such an amendment be introduced, we will notify you.

In the meantime, please reach out to your House delegation and urge them to support funding for the NEA of at least the proposed level of $146 million. Remind them that 40% of all grant dollars appropriated to the federal agency goes directly to state arts agencies—as a result, any reduction (or increase) in funding directly impacts states.

Education

NASAA also has learned that this week the Senate will begin floor debate on the Every Child Achieves Act, legislation that would amend the nation's preeminent education law, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The legislation, introduced by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), was approved unanimously by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee earlier this year. In its current form, the bill preserves the arts as a core academic subject of learning, maintains support for after-school learning programs and provides for activities currently administered through the U.S. Department of Education's Arts in Education grant program. These provisions are constructive in their efforts to sustain arts education for students.

This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider its own bill reforming ESEA. That legislation, H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, does not define core academic subjects, and also eliminates funding for current after-school and arts in education programs, instead providing grants to states and local school districts.

It is important to note that amendments will be considered by both legislatures that could change the composition of either bill. But however this legislation evolves, it is important for arts education to be included. We therefore encourage state arts agencies to contact your members of Congress to urge that they support provisions that enhance opportunities for arts education in America's public schools.

If you have any questions about the appropriations or education bills under consideration this week, please feel to contact me at isaac@38northsolutions.com. We will continue to keep you updated as these matters unfold.
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    [post_date] => 2015-06-18 11:02:24
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    [post_content] => From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:07

This week, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees passed legislation funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fiscal year 2016. In both bills, the NEA's current funding of $146 million is maintained. While NASAA and other arts organizations had been urging Congress to support the agency at $155 million, we are grateful for the committee's proposed funding level, given that sequestration, which requires a reduction in federal spending, remains in place.

Call to Action

Next week, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which includes the NEA's budget. NASAA has learned that when the bill is considered next week, it is possible that an amendment to the bill might be offered that would reduce funding for the agency. As we work to learn more information about this potential amendment, we urge you to contact your representatives in the House, urging them to support the NEA's current funding level and to oppose any amendment that reduces funding.

In making this case, please remind your representative's staff that 40% of all grant dollars appropriated to the NEA goes directly to states and regions. Then talk about an arts project or event taking place in their district that can be connected to the NEA. This is a great way to drive home the point that funding for the federal agency benefits every district in the United States as a result of the partnership with state arts agencies.

You can identify your legislators by using this link:

http://www.house.gov

As soon as we learn more information about the vote next week, we will share it with you.
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    [post_content] => From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:06

This morning, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), released the agency's draft budget for fiscal year 2016. The bill proposes funding for the NEA at $146,021,000. This number matches the agency's current level. While that number is below the president's request of almost $148 million, and well below the $155 million arts advocates were seeking, it is important to note that just last year, the same committee initially proposed cutting the NEA's budget to $138 million. Further, sequestration, which requires federal funding to be reduced each year, remains in effect.

Also of interest, the committee recommends funding the National Endowment for the Humanities at $146,021,000 for FY2016.

In releasing the bill, the committee announced that it plans to hold a hearing to mark up the bill tomorrow morning, June 10. If you are represented by someone on the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee (see list below), please reach out to their office to share the following:

 	
Thank the committee for supporting level funding, and urge the member to continue to support this level of funding as the bill moves through the committee process and onto the floor.
 	
Remind the member's office that because of the strong partnership between state arts agencies and the NEA, 40% of all grant dollars appropriated to the NEA is given to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Take the opportunity to tell the staffer about an exciting arts or cultural event going on in their district this summer. Many staffers spend time in their boss's state during the August recess, and this is a great opportunity to build on your relationship.

House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee

Republicans
Ken Calvert, California, Chairman
Mike Simpson, Idaho, Vice Chair
Tom Cole, Oklahoma
David Joyce, Ohio
Chris Stewart, Utah
Mark Amodei, Nevada
Evan Jenkins, West Virginia

Democrats
Betty McCollum, Minnesota, Ranking Member
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Derek Kilmer, Washington
Steve Israel, New York

With the House committee moving on this bill, it is looking quite possible that the House could pass the bill by the time it adjourns for the August recess. Although the Senate has not yet released its draft bill for the NEA's budget, the Senate Appropriations Committee has begun the process of considering appropriations bills for other agencies. As a result, it is quite possible that the House and Senate could pass their legislation before Labor Day. What remains to be seen is whether both the House and Senate will support similar funding levels. If they do, the NEA will likely have its budget set before the fiscal year expires on September 30.

 
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    [post_content] => April 14, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:05

This afternoon, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will hold a markup of the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015, legislation aimed at amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the nation's preeminent law governing public education. The law was last amended in 2001, when the No Child Left Behind Act was passed. That bill expired in 2006, and efforts since to reform public education in Congress have failed.

If you are represented by a member of the HELP Committee, we urge you to reach out to that elected official today and strongly urge them to support inclusion of the arts in public education.

Here are some talking points to consider:

 	
Thank the committee for supporting the continued inclusion of the arts as a core academic subject.
 	
The bill, as currently drafted, does not explicitly include support for the arts in after-school programs. Urge your senator to support such a change.
 	
The bill, as currently drafted, does not include language referencing the Arts in Education Program at the Department of Education. Urge your member of Congress to support language allowing the agency to continue to administer a direct, nationally funded, competitive Arts in Education grant program that advances the capacity of the arts to strengthen learning and improve teaching.

The version of the Every Child Achieves Act under consideration today reflects changes that have been made since its introduction, through negotiations with the HELP Committee's top Democrat, Patty Murray (D-WA). Here is the revised Every Child Achieves Act. While it is difficult to predict how hearings like this will unfold, the fact that the bill now has the working efforts of the panel's leadership will make passage more likely.

It is important, if you are represented by a member of the HELP Committee, to urge the Senate to support arts education in the Every Child Achieves Act.

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

Republicans by Rank
Lamar Alexander (TN)
Michael B. Enzi (WY)
Richard Burr (NC)
Johnny Isakson (GA)
Rand Paul (KY)
Susan Collins (ME)
Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Mark Kirk (IL)
Tim Scott (SC)
Orrin G. Hatch (UT)
Pat Roberts (KS)
Bill Cassidy, M.D. (LA)

Democrats by Rank
Patty Murray (WA)
Barbara A. Mikulski (MD)
Bernard Sanders (I) (VT)
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (PA)
Al Franken (MN)
Michael F. Bennet (CO)
Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)
Tammy Baldwin (WI)
Christopher S. Murphy (CT)
Elizabeth Warren (MA)
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    [post_content] => March 24, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:04

The U.S. House of Representatives will soon begin formulating budgets for fiscal year 2016 for all federal agencies. To set the stage for consideration of arts funding levels, members of the Congressional Arts Caucus recently circulated a "dear colleague" letter urging an increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

The letter urges the committee with jurisdiction over the NEA budget—the House Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies—to appropriate up to $154.466 million for the NEA in FY2016. The authors note the impact of the arts as a generator of jobs, tourism revenues and export sales. They also applaud the NEA's efforts to integrate the arts into military and veterans' health care programs and note the important role that state arts agencies play in regranting federal funds and leveraging additional local and state investment.

A bipartisan effort, the letter was signed by 134 representatives. This letter is not a bill—the subcommittee has yet to recommend its funding amount for the NEA. However, this communication is an important example of how lawmakers from both sides of the aisle recognize the NEA as playing a valued role in federal domestic policy.

If your member of Congress was among the signers, please be sure to thank your representative for his or her support.
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    [post_content] => March 23, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:03

Tomorrow is Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., when arts advocates from around the country gather on Capitol Hill to urge support for the arts in federal policy. As a new legislative session begins this year, this is an excellent time to be making the case for robust funding for our priorities in Congress. If you are planning to attend, thank you for your time and efforts. If you are unable to attend, you can still participate in this important activity by reaching out to your legislators by phone or e-mail and urging them to support funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

NASAA and other arts advocacy organizations are urging Congress to fund the NEA at $155 million in fiscal year 2016. This would represent an increase of about $9 million over current funding levels. In making the case for funding, please remind your elected officials that 40% of all programmatic dollars appropriated to the NEA goes directly to state and regional arts organizations. This fact is particularly compelling to members of Congress, who are always looking for ways to connect federal funding to their districts. The federal-state partnership between the NEA and state arts agencies means that funding for the NEA has an impact in every congressional district in the country.

If you have questions, or would like information specific to your state, please do not hesitate to reach out to NASAA's research team.
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    [post_content] => State Arts Agencies and NASAA Urge Support for NEA before
House Appropriations Subommittee

March 18, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:02

This morning, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, which has jurisdiction over the budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), held a public hearing to consider the NEA's budget for fiscal year 2016.

I am pleased to report that NASAA and state arts agencies were well represented at the hearing. First, ArtsWA Executive Director Karen Hanan was invited to testify. In her testimony, she passionately articulated the value of the federal-state partnership and how federal investment in the NEA directly impacts state arts agencies throughout the country. The complete hearing, including Karen's testimony, will be archived and available to view once it is posted. Many thanks to Karen for making the trip (with assistance from NASAA).

In addition to Karen's in-person testimony, Ohio Arts Council Chair Jeff Rich submitted testimony, and Interim CEO Kelly Barsdate submitted testimony from NASAA, for the record. Rich's testimony underscored the value of the NEA to Ohio communities as well as state arts agencies. His remarks cited the economic benefits of the arts as well as the overwhelming citizen support of public funding for the arts. NASAA's testimony highlighted the effectiveness of combining federal and state funds to serve citizens in rural and urban communities, noting the power of the state-federal partnership to leverage additional local investments.

Upon conclusion of today's hearing, the committee is expected to begin the process of drafting the NEA's FY2016 budget, with the hope of having it available for release sometime this spring.
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    [post_content] => February 2, 2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 15:01

This morning, the Obama administration sent Congress its budget proposal for fiscal year 2016. The document, which is not a formal legislative bill, serves as a blueprint for how the president would like to see Congress allocate federal funding in the upcoming fiscal year. It does not itemize all expenditures, but it does recommend appropriations for federal agencies and offers policy prescriptions on which the administration would like to see Congress act.

The president's FY2016 budget appendix recommends a funding level of $147,949,000 for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), a nominal increase over its current level of $146,021,000 (which is an increase over the president's request last year, when he proposed level funding). In submitting this request, the Obama administration states its continuing support of the NEA's Our Town program, as well as the NEA/Walter Reed Healing Arts Partnership, a collaboration with the Department of Defense bringing creative arts therapy programs to patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic.

Also of note, the president's budget made an identical recommendation of $147,949,000 for the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Institute of Museum and Library Services was offered a proposed increase of almost $10 million, from $227,860,000 to $237,427,957. The budget also includes level funding ($25 million) for arts education innovation programs in the U.S. Department of Education.

With the president's proposal now submitted, Congress will begin to work on the budget. Though the date has not been set yet, NEA Chairman Jane Chu is expected to testify about the agency's request before the Appropriations Committee this spring.

I will include more information about the budget in my February NASAA Notes column. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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    [post_date] => 2014-12-14 11:10:56
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    [post_content] => From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:11
December 14, 2014

The Senate voted late Saturday to approve a budget for most federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), for the remainder of fiscal year 2015. The Department of Homeland Security, the lone agency not receiving funding for the remainder of the fiscal year, had its budget approved for three months, meaning that the new Congress will need to approve funding for that agency once again in 2015.

The bill, which passed narrowly in both chambers of Congress after intense lobbying from the White House and Republican leadership, funds the National Endowment for the Arts at its current level, $146 million. The bill eliminates the line item for the Our Town program and moves the funding into the NEA's Direct Grants account.

Here is funding information on other federal agencies and programs of interest to NASAA members:

 	
The Arts in Education Program at the Department of Education received level funding of $25 million for the remainder of the fiscal year.
 	
The National Endowment for the Humanities received a funding level of $146 million, the same as FY2014.
 	
The Institute of Museum and Library Services received an increase of $1 million, to almost $228 million.

With the budget now resolved, Congress is expected to adjourn soon for the remainder of the year. When it returns in January, Republicans will assume control of the Senate and expand their majority in the House.

In my forthcoming NASAA Notes column, I will include information on the make-up of the new Congress and what we as arts advocates must do to prepare for the new year. In the meantime, feel free to contact me for more information at 202-540-9162, isaac@38northsolutions.com.
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    [post_content] => House Committee Votes to Maintain Current Funding for NEA

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:10
July 15, 2014

In a somewhat surprising development, the House Appropriations Committee voted today to approve a budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at its current funding level, $146 million, for fiscal year 2015. The action comes less than a week after the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee voted to reduce funding for the NEA to $138 million.

The decision to restore funding for the NEA was made during a mark-up meeting of the full committee, where an amendment making "noncontroversial changes" was passed. Among those changes to the bill was a provision maintaining funding for the NEA at $146 million. With the bill's passage out of committee, the legislation will now be considered on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is certainly possible that an amendment could be introduced to once again reduce funding for the NEA. Therefore, NASAA requests that our members take the following steps:

 	
If you are represented by a member of the House Appropriations Committee (identified below), please call or e-mail their office to thank them for their vote to restore funding for the NEA.
 	
If you are not represented by a member of the committee, it would still be tremendously helpful if you could reach out to your member of Congress and urge them to support the NEA's funding at $146 million when the bill goes to the floor.

It is important to note that this development could not have happened without the tremendous outreach conducted by NASAA members, as well as the considerable efforts of arts advocacy organizations. It is a demonstration of the significant impact we have as a community when joining together to work positively with Congress. A special thank-you to Ken Calvert (R-CA), the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee chair, and Jim Moran (D-VA), the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, whose leadership was critical.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact me at 202-540-9162, isaac@38northsolutions.com.

House Appropriations Committee

Republicans
Harold Rogers, Kentucky, chairman
Robert B. Aderholt, Alabama
Martha Roby, Alabama
Steve Womack, Arkansas
Ken Calvert, California
David Valadao, California
Ander Crenshaw, Florida
Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
Tom Rooney, Florida
Tom Graves, Georgia
Jack Kingston, Georgia
Michael K. Simpson, Idaho
Tom Latham, Iowa
Kevin Yoder, Kansas
Andy Harris, M.D., Maryland
Alan Nunnelee, Mississippi
Jeff Fortenberry, Nebraska
Mark Amodei, Nevada
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, New Jersey
David Joyce, Ohio
Tom Cole, Oklahoma
Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Chuck Fleischmann, Tennessee
John R. Carter, Texas
John Abney Culberson, Texas
Kay Granger, Texas
Chris Stewart, Utah
Frank R. Wolf, Virginia
Jaime Herrera Beutler, Washington

Democrats
Ed Pastor, Arizona
Sam Farr, California
Michael M. Honda, California
Barbara Lee, California
Lucille Roybal-Allard, California
Adam B. Schiff, California
Rosa L. DeLauro, Connecticut
Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Georgia
Mike Quigley, Illinois
Peter J. Visclosky, Indiana
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Betty McCollum, Minnesota
Nita M. Lowey, New York
Bill Owens, New York
José E. Serrano, New York
David E. Price, North Carolina
Marcy Kaptur, Ohio
Tim Ryan, Ohio
Chaka Fattah, Pennsylvania
Henry Cuellar, Texas
James P. Moran, Virginia
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    [post_content] => House Committee Unveils NEA Budget, Plans Hearing for Wednesday

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:09
July 8, 2014

This morning, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies released its draft budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fiscal year 2015.

In the bill, the House proposes a figure of $138 million. This figure represents a reduction in funding for the agency of $9 million from current funding. It is also significantly lower than the figure of $155 million that NASAA and other arts advocacy organizations have requested from Congress. While we are certainly disappointed in the proposed figure, it does not come as a surprise, as the House of Representatives has proposed reduced funding for the NEA in each of the past four years.

The House Appropriations Committee has also announced that it will mark up the NEA's appropriation bill on Wednesday, July 9, at 10:00 a.m. Below is a list of the members who sit on the House Appropriations Committee. If you are represented by a member of the committee, please contact their office as soon as possible and urge that they oppose the House-proposed number and instead support NASAA's $155 million request. Further, please remind them that 40% of the NEA's grant funding goes directly to state arts agencies throughout the country. A reduction in funding for the NEA would diminish the ability of these state agencies to support state and local activities such as arts education, rural arts development, creative economic development efforts and programs that make the arts more accessible to the public.

Republicans

Harold Rogers, Kentucky, chairman
Robert B. Aderholt, Alabama
Martha Roby, Alabama
Steve Womack, Arkansas
Ken Calvert, California
David Valadao, California
Ander Crenshaw, Florida
Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
Tom Rooney, Florida
Tom Graves, Georgia
Jack Kingston, Georgia
Michael K. Simpson, Idaho
Tom Latham, Iowa
Kevin Yoder, Kansas
Andy Harris, M.D., Maryland
Alan Nunnelee, Mississippi
Jeff Fortenberry, Nebraska
Mark Amodei, Nevada
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, New Jersey
David Joyce, Ohio
Tom Cole, Oklahoma
Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Chuck Fleischmann, Tennessee
John R. Carter, Texas
John Abney Culberson, Texas
Kay Granger, Texas
Chris Stewart, Utah
Frank R. Wolf, Virginia
Jaime Herrera Beutler, Washington

Democrats

Ed Pastor, Arizona
Sam Farr, California
Michael M. Honda, California
Barbara Lee, California
Lucille Roybal-Allard, California
Adam B. Schiff, California
Rosa L. DeLauro, Connecticut
Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Georgia
Mike Quigley, Illinois
Peter J. Visclosky, Indiana
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Betty McCollum, Minnesota
Nita M. Lowey, New York
Bill Owens, New York
José E. Serrano, New York
David E. Price, North Carolina
Marcy Kaptur, Ohio
Tim Ryan, Ohio
Chaka Fattah, Pennsylvania
Henry Cuellar, Texas
James P. Moran, Virginia
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    [post_content] => Legislative Alert: Senate Approves Jane Chu to Lead NEA

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:08
June 12, 2014

This afternoon, the U.S. Senate approved by voice vote the nomination of Dr. Jane Chu to lead the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The vote is welcome news to arts advocates, as the NEA has operated without a chair since Rocco Landesman stepped down in December 2012. With the approval of the Senate, Dr. Chu is expected to formally begin her leadership of the agency in the next few days.

Responding to the news, NASAA CEO Jonathan Katz said, "On behalf of all the state and jurisdictional arts agencies, NASAA looks forward to a collaborative and productive working relationship with Dr. Chu, and to welcoming her to the nation's capital as the new leader of the NEA."

NASAA plans to organize a collective welcome album from all states and jurisdictions, and will invite Dr. Chu to meet with state arts agency staff and council members at Assembly 2014 in New Orleans this fall.
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    [post_content] => NEA Chair Nominee Approved by Senate Committee

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:07
May 14, 2014

This morning, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee met to consider the nomination of Dr. Jane Chu to lead the National Endowment for the Arts. We are pleased to report that Dr. Chu's nomination was approved by voice vote. The senior Republican on the committee, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), spoke very favorably of her nomination in advance of the vote.

The HELP Committee will now forward Dr. Chu's name for consideration by the full Senate. Predicting when the Senate might vote on her candidacy is difficult; the timing is at the discretion of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). NASAA will continue to monitor Dr. Chu's nomination and alert you when a Senate vote is planned.
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    [post_content] => NEA Nomination Advancing

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:06
April 25, 2014

NASAA has learned that on Monday, April 28, Dr. Jane Chu, president Obama's selection to lead the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), will meet with key staff of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The HELP Committee has jurisdiction over the nomination of the NEA chair.

Monday's meeting is an important step in Dr. Chu's nomination process. Since she was named in February, there had been little progress on her confirmation. After Monday's meeting, members of the committee will have the opportunity to send Dr. Chu questions in writing. Should those inquiries be answered to the satisfaction of the committee members, they will meet in executive session to consider her selection. Following that vote, Dr. Chu's nomination will be forwarded to the Senate floor for a vote by the full chamber. The timing of each of these steps is uncertain, but we hope Dr. Chu's nomination will be finalized as quickly as the Senate's calendar allows.

NASAA is working with states represented on the HELP Committee to ensure that the importance of the state-federal partnership is included in the committee's conversations. We will keep members informed as the process unfolds. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact me with questions.
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    [post_title] => NASAA Testimony on FY2015 NEA Budget
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    [post_content] => Prominent Republican Proposes Privatizing the NEA

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:05
April 3, 2014

On Tuesday, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2015. Like the president's budget proposal, Representative Ryan's budget, which he calls "The Pathway to Prosperity," is not a formal legislative bill but rather a set of policy recommendations.

In his proposal, Ryan calls for a $5-trillion reduction in spending over 10 years by offering changes to social welfare programs, ending government ownership of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act. Of particular concern to state arts agencies and cultural advocates, the plan also calls for the elimination of public funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Specifically, the proposal says: "Encourage Private Funding for Cultural Agencies. Federal subsidies for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting can no longer be justified. The activities and content funded by these agencies go beyond the core mission of the federal government. These agencies can raise funds from private-sector patrons, which will also free them from any risk of political interference."

NASAA opposes this proposal in the strongest terms possible and is advocating for funding the NEA at $155 million. It is important to note that Chairman Ryan's committee does not write the NEA's budget; that responsibility falls under the jurisdiction of the Appropriations Committee. NASAA has spoken to staff for the Appropriations Committee and has learned that there is no indication that Ryan's suggestion is under consideration.

Nonetheless, we urge you to contact your member of Congress and urge support for the NEA. NASAA's policy brief, Why Should Government Support the Arts? and our 2014 NEA Fact Sheetinclude helpful talking points about the benefits of public investments in culture.
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    [post_content] => President's FY2015 Budget Includes Level Funding for the NEA

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:04
March 4, 2014

This morning, President Obama released his fiscal year 2015 budget proposal to Congress. The plan proposes increasing federal spending by more than $600 billion to fund key administration priorities, including universal preschool programs, the National Institutes of Health, transportation and infrastructure projects, and climate change mitigation and research. While not completely paid for, some of the costs are offset by imposing a new tax on wealthy Americans and reducing the level of payment for health care providers under Medicaid and Medicare.

In the budget proposal, the Obama administration recommends funding the National Endowment for the Arts at $146.021 million, the agency's current funding level. Although this number is below the $155 million NASAA and other arts organizations will ask Congress for later this month during Arts Advocacy Day, we are pleased that the administration did not propose a cut in funding, given that sequestration (which statutorily lowers federal spending) remains in effect until fiscal year 2021.

It is important to remember that the president's proposal is not binding, but rather is a policy communication in which the administration identifies its priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. With the proposal released, Congress will now get to work on writing the FY2015 budget.

As this work begins, I encourage you to contact members of your House and Senate delegation and urge them to support funding the NEA at $155 million for FY2015:

 	
House of Representatives
 	
Senate

A NASAA web seminar taking place March 18, Federal Budget Briefing, will inform members about details of the president's FY2015 proposal and will outline other federal issues relevant to the arts. Look for today's e-mail invitation or register now.
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    [post_content] => President Intends to Nominate Chu to Lead NEA

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:03
February 13, 2014

Yesterday, the White House announced that President Obama intends to nominate Dr. Jane Chu, president and chief executive officer of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, to lead the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

The announcement comes as welcome news to arts advocates who have been concerned about the lack of an appointment to lead the agency, which has been without a head since Rocco Landesman stepped down in December 2012. At NASAA, we're pleased that the White House has put forth a nominee to fill this important position. NASAA and state arts agency leaders look forward to working closely and collaboratively with the next NEA chairman to broaden, deepen and diversify meaningful participation in the arts throughout the United States.

The timing of a possible confirmation for Chu is unclear. Today, Congress begins a week-and-a-half-long recess. When it returns, Chu will meet privately with members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, which has jurisdiction over the NEA, to discuss her vision for the agency.

Should those meetings go well, recent history indicates that her nomination could bypass a hearing by the committee and go straight to the floor for consideration by the U.S. Senate. Recent confirmations of NEA heads have taken three to four months, but because this announcement comes after most cabinet posts have been filled, it is possible that Chu could win Senate approval on a faster timetable.

NASAA will keep you informed of progress.
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    [post_content] => Important Provisions in FY2014 Appropriations Bill

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:02
January 17, 2014

Earlier this week, NASAA alerted you to the agreement reached to fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2014. This agreement includes an appropriation for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in the amount of $146.021 million. Last night, the Senate overwhelmingly approved the legislation embodying that agreement, which had already passed in the House. As a result, President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law today.

At this point, we want to bring your attention to several provisions in the appropriations bill and related language that bear specifically on state arts agency activity.

First, the budget bill contains clarification of matching requirements for states' Partnership Agreement awards from the NEA. The law reiterates the 1:1 matching requirements for state arts agencies, noting that state matches must be comprised of nonfederal funds "directly controlled and appropriated by the State involved and directly managed by the State agency of such State." If a state requests a waiver to this matching policy, the legislation instructs the NEA chair to "give consideration to the various circumstances the State is encountering," further stipulating that waivers must be limited in duration and not granted in perpetuity. This policy reflects the consensus of numerous collaborative policy dialogues between the NEA, states and the NASAA board beginning in 2011. (Though, in 2012 and 2013, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee had requested NEA-state consultation, approved these principles, and complimented the collaborative dialogue that produced them, this year's budget bill offered the first opportunity to ratify the agreed-upon match and waiver clarifications since 2011.)

Second, Congress has reiterated that only a state or local arts agency, or regional groups of states, can use an NEA grant to make grants to other organizations or individuals.

Third, NASAA and other arts advocacy organizations were successful in securing a separate line item in the U.S. Department of Education's budget for arts education programs. You may recall that the president's budget proposed merging arts education programs with other programs within the department, a provision not viewed as favorable by the arts community. In its budget, Congress chose not to implement this suggestion and, instead, will fund arts education programs at the NASAA-supported level of $25 million.

This year, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Hal Rodgers (R-KY) coauthored a joint explanatory statement that serves as Congress's means of directing the executive branch on how Congress would like to see the funds it is appropriating used. It includes the following:

"The bill provides $146,021,000 for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Committees urge the NEA to work constructively with States in developing and implementing arts education programs and priorities. . . . Any reduction in support to the States for arts education should be no more than proportional to other funding decreases taken in other NEA programs. . . ."

While not legally binding, this language conveys intent that Congress considers to be particularly important. It is the direct result of NASAA's continued, positive relationship with lawmakers in Congress, from both parties, and we are excited about working with the NEA on arts education programs and priorities this year.

Remarkably, with the negotiations relating to the FY2014 budget resolved, members of Congress are already beginning to work on the FY2015 budget. The president will give his State of the Union Address on January 28, with Congress planning hearings soon after. As always, NASAA will keep you informed and alert you with opportunities for input and action.
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    [post_content] => From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:01
January 14, 2014

Budget for Remainder of FY2014 Appears Near

With funding for the federal government set to expire tonight, budget leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate announced late Monday that they have reached a compromise on legislation that will fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2014. The bill provides for $1.1 trillion in funding and would reduce the scope of the automatic spending cuts known as the sequester, which remains in effect until FY2021.

Under the terms of the legislation, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will receive a funding level of $146.021 million. This figure amounts to what the agency would have received this year had sequestration not reduced the agency's allocation to $139 million. While this figure is lower than the one proposed by both the president and the Senate ($155 million), it is substantially higher than the dramatic decrease proposed in the House bill last year ($75 million).

To allow members of the House and Senate time to review the legislation before voting, Congress will pass at some point today another continuing resolution before it votes on the budget bill on Thursday or Friday of this week. Should Congress successfully pass the bill, it will be the first time since 2009 that Congress has approved a formal budget bill.

We at NASAA are pleased that advocates for the NEA in both chambers were able to protect the NEA from the destructive cut originally proposed in the House of Representatives. While the legislation is considered final and not susceptible to changes, we would encourage any of our members who live in states represented by members of the House or Senate Appropriations Committees to thank these legislators for their support of the NEA:

Senate Committee on Appropriations
House Committee on Appropriations

If you have any questions or would like more information about a specific issue in the bill, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 202-540-9162.
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    [post_content] => Senate Approves FY2014 Budget Framework

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:12
December 19, 2013

Yesterday afternoon, the Senate voted 64 to 36 to approve the bipartisan fiscal year 2014 budget agreement negotiated last week by House and Senate leaders. The measure, which passed overwhelmingly in the House last week, was supported in the Senate by 9 Republicans along with 55 Democrats. The bill is with President Obama for his signature.

While significant, it is important to note that the legislation is not a formal budget, but only sets the parameters of federal spending levels for the remainder of FY2014. Congress now has four weeks to determine the funding levels for individual agencies before current funding expires on January 15.

For more information on the bill, please refer to the summary NASAA provided last week.
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    [post_content] => House Passes Budget Framework; Senate to Consider Next Week

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:11
December 13, 2013

Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly (332-94) to approve a framework that hopefully will prevent another government shutdown while providing some relief from the automatic spending reductions known as sequestration. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to face stronger opposition, for consideration on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Though the bill is not a formal budget for fiscal year 2014, its passage is an important step for Congress because it sets caps on discretionary spending at $1.012 trillion for the current fiscal year. Disagreement over this cap had stalled the budget process, with House Republican leadership calling for the cap to be around $967 billion and Senate Democratic leadership calling for a figure near $1.058 trillion.

In addition to setting a budget cap, the bill provides relief from the sequester that would have reduced federal spending by about $85 billion this year. The legislation calls for a $45-billion reduction in the sequester for FY2014, to be split evenly between domestic discretionary and defense programs. The House's decision to reduce the sequester for FY2014 is significant because it means there will be less pressure on Congress to slash funding for federal agencies.

Once the budget spending cap is established, members of the House and Senate can negotiate a formal budget for the remainder of FY2014. They must do so before January 15, when funding for the federal government is set to expire. It is during this later process that funding levels for all federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts, will be established.

NASAA will continue to monitor these events closely and will report back to you as soon as the Senate has voted on the measure. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-531-8277 or isaac@38northsolutions.com.
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    [post_content] => 



Congress Toils over 2014 Budget after Federal Shutdown






Isaac Brown



On October 16, the federal government shutdown came to a close when leadership in the House of Representatives and the Senate were able to reach an agreement with President Obama. The deal provides funding for the federal government until January 15, while also providing some certainty to the financial markets by extending the nation’s borrowing authority until February 7.

Perhaps the most important component of the deal is that the legislation compels leaders from the House and Senate to meet in conference to negotiate differences between the two chambers over spending levels for the current fiscal year (2014). When the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution earlier this year, it called for significant reductions in spending, while the Senate in passing its resolution proposed a combination of cuts and new taxes. The legislation ending the government shutdown requires the 29 House and Senate members comprising the conference committee to work with each other to try to reach a compromise by December 15—a compromise that both chambers hopefully can use as the basis for a formal appropriations bill to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year. To date, comments from committee members have not been positive, but recent history demonstrates that if there is a deal to be reached, it likely will come at the 11th hour.

NASAA and other arts advocates are in close contact with our allies in Congress as these discussions continue. In its budget for FY2014, the House of Representatives proposed funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $75 million (the current funding level is $139 million after taking into account the mandatory cuts known as sequestration). The Senate, meanwhile, proposed an increase in funding to $155 million.  NASAA greatly appreciates the Senate's support for the NEA and is working with our allies to build support for that figure in the House of Representatives.

NASAA will continue to monitor these issues closely and let you know about significant developments. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 202-540-9162 or email me with any questions.
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Congress Agrees to Three-Month Continuing Resolution; Federal Government Reopens

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:10
October 17, 2013

Yesterday, the House of Representatives and Senate agreed to, and passed, legislation reopening the federal government following a 16-day government shutdown. The measure, which passed in the Senate by a margin of 81 to 18, and by 285-144 in the House, funds federal agencies at current funding levels through January 15, 2014. The legislation also raises the debt limit, which was set to expire today, through February 7.

Speaking after the Senate's vote last night, President Obama said he would sign the legislation immediately and begin the process of reopening the federal government.  Federal employees, including those at the National Endowment for the Arts, are reporting to work this morning.

While last night's vote ends the turmoil in Washington regarding the budget and debt ceiling for the time being, it does not resolve many of the underlying issues that led to the shutdown. Negotiations are expected to begin almost immediately between leaders in the House and Senate to try to work out legislation that funds the government for the remainder of fiscal year 2014.

NASAA will continue to monitor this situation closely and keep you apprised of any developments. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-540-9162 or isaac@38northsolutions.com.
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    [post_content] => October 1, 2013
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:09

Federal Shutdown in Effect Today

At 12:01 this morning, October 1, federal fiscal year 2014 began without an appropriation of funding from Congress. As a result, a partial federal shutdown is now in effect. Most federal offices—including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)—are closed. The shutdown comes after weeks of often tense negotiations between leaders in the House and Senate and President Obama over how to structure a short-term spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, failed to yield an agreement.

How long the shutdown will last is unclear at this time. Key legislators from both parties remain in Washington, and can hold a vote in short order to fund the government should an agreement be reached.

NASAA will continue to monitor this situation closely and make you aware of any developments. The NEA State & Regional office issued a memo last Friday reassuring states that current Partnership Agreement grant funds already awarded by the NEA are not in jeopardy due to the shutdown. The October 1 deadline for states applying for federal FY2014 funds remains in effect. The NEA's State & Regional office staff are furloughed and are prohibited from responding to phone calls or e-mails, but grants.gov is expected to be available on-line.

I am available to answer any specific questions you have, and can be reached at isaac@38northsolutions.com or 202-540-9162.
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From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:08

Legislation Cutting Funding for NEA Stalls

With Congress scheduled to adjourn for the remainder of the summer tomorrow, Republican leadership in the House of Representatives announced today that it was delaying plans to hold a vote on the fiscal year 2014 Interior Appropriations bill because it did not have enough support to pass the measure. As a result, when it returns in mid-September, Congress will have only two working weeks to pass a budget before the fiscal year expires on September 30.

As we reported earlier this month, the FY2014 Interior Appropriations bill called for a 49% reduction in funding for the NEA, for a total funding level of $75 million. Responding to concerns from arts advocates from across the country, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, offered an amendment restoring funding for the NEA to its current level ($146 million). That amendment was ultimately defeated on a party-line vote of 19-27.

With so little time remaining before current funding ends, it is looking more likely that Congress and President Obama will have to negotiate another short-term continuing resolution to keep the government operating beyond September 30. NASAA will continue to monitor this situation closely and keep you apprised of any developments. My Legislative Update column in the August issue of NASAA Notes will contain further information about the decision to delay a vote on this bill.
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    [post_content] => July 22, 2013
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:07

Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment (which has jurisdiction over the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts [NEA]) released its proposed budget for fiscal year 2014. While it was expected that the House would recommend a reduction in funding for the NEA, the proposed level, $75 million, is more substantial than anticipated: almost 50% lower than the NEA's current level ($146 million). Earlier this year, the Obama administration proposed a $154.5 million budget for the NEA in its FY2014 budget request to Congress. NASAA and our fellow advocates are asking Congress to fund the NEA at $155 million in 2014—the same level of appropriations initially proposed by the Senate for FY2013.

Reflecting the somewhat unusual budget process we have experienced this year, the Interior subcommittee is planning to meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to consider and approve the bill. Should the subcommittee do so, the full Appropriations Committee will meet in the coming weeks, and is expected to approve the subcommittee's funding level.

There is no date yet set for when the bill might go to the House floor, and the chances of the House and Senate being able to agree on an overall budget for FY2014 before the current fiscal year expires look increasingly unlikely. Including this week, Congress is scheduled to be in session for a total of only four weeks before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Congress and President Obama may be forced to agree to another continuing resolution to keep the government operating.

While we think it is unlikely that the House's proposal will gain traction in either the Senate or the White House, we nevertheless view this budget as a negative development and encourage our members who have relationships with members of the House Appropriations Committee to call those offices and express their opposition to the proposed budget for the NEA before the full committee meets to consider the bill. Emphasize the benefits of NEA funding to your state. Consult NASAA's NEA Fact Sheet, which the NASAA research staff can customize for your state. Below is a list of members of the House Appropriations Committee:

Republicans
Harold Rogers, Kentucky, Chairman
C.W. Bill Young, Florida
Frank R. Wolf, Virginia
Jack Kingston, Georgia
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, New Jersey
Tom Latham, Iowa
Robert B. Aderholt, Alabama
Kay Granger, Texas
Michael K. Simpson, Idaho
John Abney Culberson, Texas
Ander Crenshaw, Florida
John R. Carter, Texas
Rodney Alexander, Louisiana
Ken Calvert, California
Jo Bonner, Alabama
Tom Cole, Oklahoma
Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Tom Graves, Georgia
Kevin Yoder, Kansas
Steve Womack, Arkansas
Alan Nunnelee, Mississippi
Jeff Fortenberry, Nebraska
Tom Rooney, Florida
Chuck Fleischmann, Tennessee
Jaime Herrera Beutler, Washington
David Joyce, Ohio
David Valadao, California
Andy Harris, Maryland

Democrats
Nita M. Lowey, New York
Marcy Kaptur, Ohio
Peter J. Visclosky, Indiana
José E. Serrano, New York
Rosa L. DeLauro, Connecticut
James P. Moran, Virginia
Ed Pastor, Arizona
David E. Price, North Carolina
Lucille Roybal-Allard, California
Sam Farr, California
Chaka Fattah, Pennsylvania
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Georgia
Barbara Lee, California
Adam B. Schiff, California
Michael M. Honda, California
Betty McCollum, Minnesota
Tim Ryan, Ohio
Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida
Henry Cuellar, Texas
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Mike Quigley, Illinois
Bill Owens, New York

Meanwhile, no date has been set for action in the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on a companion bill. No specifics regarding an NEA funding recommendation from the Senate are available, but NASAA certainly will advocate for a number closer to the president's proposal. (Last year, the Senate Appropriations Committee proposed a funding level of $155 million.)

NASAA will keep you informed on the progress of NEA funding through the House and the Senate.
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From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:06

As you know, NASAA has been closely monitoring the efforts of members of both the House and Senate to pass legislation reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation's preeminent federal education law, which expired in 2007.

Recap: Arts Policy Priorities for ESEA

Reauthorization of ESEA presents a pivotal opportunity for federal policymakers to expand the role of arts education in public school and after-school curriculums. To that effect, NASAA published a set of policy priorities we hope will be included in legislation reauthorizing the bill. Those priorities are:

 	
Continuation of the arts as a "core academic subject" on par with other academic disciplines
 	
Explicit inclusion of the arts in the language governing how Title I funds are used
 	
Insertion of the arts and design into language identifying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education as a priority

New Developments in the House

Soon, the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 5, the Student Success Act. The Student Success Act would authorize federal education programs and funding for five years (fiscal years 2014-2019). H.R. 5, which passed out of the House Education and Workforce Committee on a party-line vote last month (all Republicans on the Committee voted in favor; Democrats uniformly opposed), is expected to pass when it is considered by the House of Representatives later this week, despite strong opposition from House Democrats and a veto threat from President Obama. Their opposition stems from the fact that the legislation significantly reduces the role of the U.S. Department of Education in setting and maintaining standards for public schools by redirecting this authority to state education officials.

NASAA Neutral on H.R. 5

NASAA recognizes and respects the fact that our membership represents a range of political viewpoints on state prerogatives and other issues. NASAA is taking a neutral position on H.R. 5 for the following reasons:

 	
While the Student Success Act does not expand opportunities for arts education programs, neither does it contain any restrictions on existing opportunities. As such, we don't view H.R. 5 as a productive target for opposition advocacy at this time.
 	
As we have noted in previous Legislative Alerts, the Senate has introduced and is considering legislation that embraces our policy priorities for the arts. It would be beneficial for the Senate's version of ESEA reauthorization to receive full consideration through a House and Senate conference process. However, without passage of H.R. 5 in the House, no conference process can occur, making it unlikely that ESEA reform of any kind would be considered this year.
 	
By refraining from joining the divisive debate that surrounds H.R. 5, we hope to be viewed by members of Congress from both parties as an honest, bipartisan stakeholder when the final text of this legislation is negotiated. We believe that taking this approach will put NASAA and its members in the best position to advocate effectively for our policy positions.

Expect an Alternative Bill

During debate of H.R. 5, Representative George Miller (D-CA), the ranking member of the Education and Workforce Committee, is expected to offer substitute legislation as an amendment to the bill. There are many provisions within this substitute amendment that we as arts advocates are very excited about, including:

 	
Identifying the arts as a core academic subject, eligible for Title I funding
 	
Ensuring that arts education programs receive a dedicated source of funding under the well-rounded students program
 	
Including art and design in the definition of STEM program activities

This proposal represents an important affirmation for arts education policy. That is why, last month, NASAA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Katz wrote to Representative Miller to applaud the inclusion of these provisions in the amendment, and we look forward to working with Representative Miller to promote these policies as the ESEA reauthorization process proceeds. However, like H.R. 5, the Miller proposal takes positions viewed as partisan on education policy issues that are unrelated to arts education, such as teacher evaluation. NASAA, many of our members and many of our colleagues must set our sights on the conference committee process as the mechanism most likely to achieve our desired policy outcomes.

Again, we appreciate the sensitive nature of this issue and look forward to continuing to work with our membership to advance legislation in Congress that promotes arts education programs and the arts generally. In addition to monitoring the Student Success Act, NASAA is pleased to inform you that last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee moved forward a recommendation for $27 million in FY2014 funding for the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education. We will provide more information about this legislation in our next communication.

As the House continues to work on these issues, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments or suggestions.
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Despite Stalled Congress, Measures Important to Arts Community Advance






Isaac Brown





With the first session of the 113th Congress more than midway through its term, I thought it would be useful to reflect on the year to date.

In many respects, the 113th Congress began much like the 112th concluded: with members of Congress from both parties frustrated by the lack of progress on key initiatives. Members of the House and Senate were unable to reach a compromise to prevent or mitigate sequestration, which cut the federal budget by about $85 billion for fiscal year 2013. Since that time, the Democrat-controlled Senate and Republican-controlled House have continued to fight over fiscal policy. As a result, with fewer than three months remaining in the fiscal year, work on FY2014 appropriations bills has stalled, and it appears that once again Congress will be forced to be pass a continuing resolution to keep the government operating beyond September 30.

While the inaction of the federal legislature has been disappointing, June was an unusually productive month in the Senate, as the chambers took significant action on two high-profile issues. On June 29, the Senate passed by a vote of 68-32 legislation overhauling the nation's immigration laws. While the legislation is most widely known for its plan to create a pathway to citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States, it also includes an important change to federal law long sought by NASAA and other arts advocates.

This provision addresses a shortcoming in current law that can result in long and unpredictable wait times for artists seeking O and P visas to perform in the United States. While current law requires the processing of applications within 14 days, lax enforcement often results in delays, in some cases as long as six months. This uncertainty has a devastating impact on performers and arts organizations throughout the country that need a reliable visa system in order to plan, promote and present performances. The Senate's immigration bill addresses this issue by requiring the Department of Homeland Security to provide expedited processing (without charging the nonprofit organization sponsoring the visa) should the 14-day waiting period be surpassed.

NASAA, along with our colleagues in the arts producing and presenting fields, has long supported this legislative correction to the nation's immigration law, and worked diligently for its inclusion in the legislation. With the Senate having approved the bill, the House will now consider immigration reform. It is not clear at this time, however, whether Republican leaders there will consider the Senate bill or develop their own proposal.

While the Senate was working on immigration reform, it also took steps to advance legislation reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The primary source of federal funding for K-12 public education, ESEA has not been reauthorized since 2007.

On June 11 and 12, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a hearing to consider the Senate bill, known as S. 1094, the Strengthening America's Schools Act, which was introduced by Chairman Tom Harkin. The bill, which has only Democratic support and passed on a party-line vote in committee, contains several provisions important to the arts community, including:

 	
Naming the arts as a core academic subject under Title I
 	
Identifying the creative arts as a subject of learning in a proposed new section of the law that would address early childhood education programs
 	
Categorizing music and arts programs as acceptable uses of expanded-school-day funds

While the Senate was able to pass immigration reform, the pathway for the Strengthening America's Schools Act is less clear. Senate rules require the support of at least 60 members to overcome a filibuster, which is almost certain to occur given the complexity and breadth of the bill. With Democrats holding only 55 seats, at least five Republicans will need to support the measure for it to advance. Since the bill received no Republican support in committee, the chances of the legislation getting 60 votes without considerable changes made on the Senate floor is unlikely.

NASAA will continue to monitor the bill closely and will urge the House to adopt similar provisions as it considers its own bill reauthorizing ESEA.
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    [post_content] => June 13, 2013
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:05

Senate to Consider Immigration Bill Amendment Important to Arts Community

Yesterday, senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) announced that they were submitting their legislation, the Arts Require Timely Service (ARTS) Act, as an amendment to the immigration reform bill currently being debated in the Senate.

Amendment 1183 would fix a shortcoming in current law that results in long and unpredictable wait times for artists seeking O and P visas to perform in the United States. While current law requires the processing of applications within 14 days, lax enforcement often results in delays, in some cases as long as six months. This uncertainty has a devastating impact on performers and arts organizations throughout the country who need a reliable visa system in order to plan, promote and present performances.

Amendment 1183 addresses this issue by requiring the Department of Homeland Security to provide expedited processing (without charging the nonprofit organization sponsoring the visa) should the 14-day waiting period be surpassed.

NASAA, along with our colleagues in the arts producing and presenting fields, has long supported this legislative correction to the nation's immigration law, and urges the Senate to approve amendment 1183.

If you have any questions about the legislation, please contact me by phone at 202-540-9162, or by e-mail at Isaac@38northsolutions.com.
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From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:04

Senate Democrats Introduce Education Reform Bill
Committee Plans to Vote Next Week

Yesterday, Senate Democrats introduced legislation reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA, P.L. 89-10). ESEA was enacted in 1965 and is the primary source of federal funding for K-12 public education. The law was most recently reauthorized as part of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002. Although that legislation expired in 2007, the law is still in effect, and schools that receive federal aid must adhere to its requirements.

The bill introduced yesterday, the Strengthening America's Schools Act of 2013, marks Congress's first serious effort to reauthorize the law in two years. The bill's lead sponsor is Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. While Chairman Harkin had hoped to release the bill earlier, its introduction was delayed as his staff negotiated with the top Republican on the committee, Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee. Exhaustive efforts by both senators to reach an accord failed; as a result, the bill enjoys the support of 11 Democratic cosponsors and no Republicans.

While some of the bill's most controversial provisions deal with sensitive issues such as teacher evaluation and tenure, I am pleased to report that Senator Harkin's bill includes a number of provisions that the arts community supported during the last ESEA reform attempt. These include listing the arts as a core academic subject and naming the arts and music as enrichment activities in the Expanded Learning Time and Supporting Successful, Well-Rounded Students sections. The bill also amends ESEA to require states to develop core standards for key subjects such as math, reading and "creative arts" for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. These standards are intended to bring early education programs into "alignment" with existing standards for grades 4-12, which already include the arts as key subjects.

When introducing the bill yesterday, Chairman Harkin said he plans to hold a markup of the bill in the HELP Committee next week. (Markup is when a committee meets to consider amendments and vote on passage of a bill.) This is an exceptionally fast time line for a bill of this magnitude, and indicates that he is hoping to have the Senate pass the bill before it adjourns for the August recess (tentatively scheduled to begin August 3).

Although passage in committee is all but assured (Democrats control the body by a margin of 12-10), the bill's pathway to becoming law is much murkier. While Senate Democrats control the chamber, floor rules allow any member to block a vote on the legislation by a filibuster, which requires a 60-vote margin to override. Then, should the Senate pass the bill, it will face even stronger opposition in the House, where Republican leaders plan to propose their own bill.

If you have any questions about the legislation, please do not hesitate to e-mail me or call me directly at 202-540-9162.
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From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:03

Sequestration's Effects on the NEA


Later today, the federal government will begin a process of across-the-board cuts to federal domestic and defense spending known as sequestration. The reductions are mandatory and will be phased in over the remainder of federal fiscal year 2013.

In a letter to state and regional directors, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Director for State and Regional Partnerships Laura Scanlan confirmed that overall funding for the NEA will be reduced by 5% ($7.3 million). As you may recall, sequestration requires the Obama administration to reduce spending from all federal domestic discretionary accounts equally, while also imposing cuts to defense and certain mandatory programs like Medicare. The NEA plans to implement the sequestration cuts in the following ways:

 	
Direct grant allocations will be reduced by 3.2%.
 	
Partnership funds to state arts agencies and regions will be reduced by 2.7%. (The NEA is able to mitigate the effect of sequestration on states by applying funds that were de-obligated in the prior year.)

The NEA has confirmed that sequestration reductions will apply only to state arts agency grants awarded in the federal FY2013 funding cycle. Cuts will not be applied retroactively. This means that state arts agencies should expect reductions to their NEA FY2013 Partnership Agreements, used by most states to support their FY2014 activities. Current (NEA FY2012/state FY2013) Partnership Agreements will not be affected.

Unfortunately, the implementation of sequestration does not mean that budget uncertainty is fully resolved for the remainder of the year. No official FY2013 budget was ever passed, and the federal government currently is running on an interim "continuing resolution" authorizing agencies to spend funds at FY2012 levels (minus the amounts now mandated by sequestration). This continuing resolution expires on March 27, and Washington is bracing itself for another budget battle. I will elaborate on the forthcoming budget debates and other relevant news in my column in the March issue of NASAA Notes.
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From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:02

Federal Arts Education Policy Updates
I'm writing today with some congressional updates relating to federal arts education policy, as well as information on how you can help NASAA advance these efforts on behalf of all state arts agencies.

Reauthorizing ESEA

2013 is the year that Congress may take up reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This is the set of policies that provides equitable access to education, establishes certain curriculum standards and authorizes federally funded school programs administered by states. As Congress grapples with other issues—such as deficit reduction and gun control—there is not yet a firm timetable in place for work on ESEA to commence. When it does, NASAA will be at the forefront of advocacy efforts working to ensure that:

 	
the arts are named as core academic subjects for all students,
 	
Title I provisions allow for the inclusion of arts activities in underserved schools,
 	
the U.S. Department of Education continues its programs promoting successful arts education models, and
 	
other federal agencies supporting educational programs—especially those emphasizing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)—include the arts in their definitions and policies.

New STEAM Caucus

The new congressional STEAM Caucus, led by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Aaron Schock (R-IL), has begun its work. NASAA represented state arts agencies by attending this new group's kickoff briefing, held on Capitol Hill on Thursday, February 14. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is playing a leadership role in the operation of this caucus, and RISD President John Maeda addressed this gathering. NASAA CEO Jonathan Katz personally greeted and thanked each member of Congress who attended on behalf of their state arts agency.

The long-term goals of this caucus are to advocate for policy changes encouraging educators and federal agencies to integrate the arts and design with STEM education. In addition to cochairs Bonamici and Schock, the membership of the caucus currently includes Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI), Jared Polis (D-CO), David Cicilline (D-RI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH).

H.R. 51 Still in Committee

On February 4, Rep. Langevin introduced House Resolution 51, asserting the importance of the arts and design as part of federal education policy. H.R. 51 was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. While passage of this resolution at this time is unlikely, it is still quite useful to advocates because its language frames the value of arts and design education in compelling economic and educational terms. In addition, it can serve as a valuable organizing tool, providing members of Congress the opportunity to go on record as supporting inclusion of arts education in STEM programs. Check out the full text of the bill here.

What You Can Do

 	
If representatives from your state have stepped forward to be part of the STEAM caucus, contact those offices and thank them for their participation and their acknowledgement of the importance of arts education as an educational and economic asset. You may also wish to encourage other members of your House delegation to participate in this caucus.
 	
See if your state is represented on the House Committee on Education and the Workforceor the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. If so, contact these members and convey your support of H.R. 51.
 	
It's not too early to begin organizing your information resources in preparation for ESEA reauthorization. Although no legislation is pending currently, when action does commence it will be valuable for you to be able to share arts education success stories from your own state, especially examples that illustrate positive student outcomes from school improvement efforts that include the arts. NASAA encourages you to start gathering those examples now and to familiarize yourself with how your state is represented on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee. Establish communication and build critical relationships now, so they will be in place when specific action is needed.

NASAA will keep you apprised of new developments and calls to action as the work of the 113th Congress unfolds. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.
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From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 13:01

The Fiscal Cliff Vote: Implications for Arts Funding


As you are no doubt aware, on January 1 and 2, a series of tax and policy changes was set to occur that was so potentially devastating to the economy that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke dubbed it the "fiscal cliff." Following a week of tense negotiations, the House of Representatives voted late last night to pass legislation that averts tax implications associated with the fiscal cliff while delaying other components for a few months, thereby allowing Congress more time to develop a compromise.

The legislation—which was initiated by the Senate a few days ago, passed by the House last night and signed into law today by President Obama—will permanently raise income tax rates to Clinton-era levels for families with income above $450,000 and for individuals who earn above $400,000. For all Americans who earn below those thresholds, the 2012 tax rates were extended permanently.

While the news was hailed as a significant achievement for the 112th Congress, which expires tomorrow and has been considered one of the least effective in our nation's history, we as arts advocates must be aware that several critical issues that could pose a risk to arts funding remain unsettled.

First, it is important to note that the legislation did not eliminate the across-the-board cuts in discretionary domestic spending (including to the National Endowment for the Arts [NEA]), known as sequestration, that were required under the Budget Control Act of 2011. Instead, the legislation simply delays the implementation of the sequester until March 1, 2013. The decision to delay was made because, while members of both parties agree that federal spending must be reduced significantly, they felt that the sequester was not the appropriate means for creating such cuts. The two-month extension will grant Congress and the president more time to negotiate a new mechanism for deficit reduction. By delaying the implementation of the sequester by two months, Congress once again is gearing up for a battle over federal spending and deficit reduction. This means we once again will have to be prepared to advocate aggressively for the NEA. The arts endowment could be particularly vulnerable if targeted cuts to selected discretionary spending lines come under consideration in these negotiations.

Second, two limits on tax exemptions and deductions for higher-income Americans will be reimposed: the personal exemption phaseout will be set at $250,000 and the itemized deduction limitation will kick in at $300,000. Both changes may affect charitable deductions for contributions that support cultural organizations and other charitable activities.

The 113th Congress will be sworn into office on Thursday. We soon should get a sense of how House and Senate leadership plan to address the new time line. As always, NASAA will monitor closely developments in Washington and will let you know when outreach to Congress can be most effective.
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    [post_content] => November 9, 2012
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 12:14

The Fiscal Cliff and State Arts Agencies

Earlier this week, in a sweeping victory, President Barack Obama was elected to serve another four-year term. In our analysis below, we lay out what awaits Congress when it returns to session next week.

Looking Ahead
President Obama did not have much time to savor Tuesday night's victory, as a series of major tax and spending policy changes that are scheduled to occur on January 1 and 2, 2013, unless Congress acts, necessitated his quick return to Washington.

According to news reports, some of the first calls he made after being pronounced the winner were to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), imploring them to begin negotiations to resolve the upcoming "fiscal cliff" when Congress begins its lame duck session on November 13.

Among the provisions making up the fiscal cliff are:

 	
Sequestration, a provision in the Budget Control Act of 2011, which will require across-the-board cuts totaling $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years
 	
Expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, often referred to as the "Bush tax cuts" ($281 billion)
 	
Expiration of payroll tax deduction ($115 billion)
 	
Tax extenders—including the charitable deduction for donations ($75 billion)
 	
Alternative minimum tax expansion ($40 billion)
 	
Unemployment insurance expiration ($34 billion)
 	
Expiration of Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians ($14 billion)

Despite this accelerated timeline, both Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid offered sharply different interpretations of Tuesday's elections and what they mean for taxes and deficits, underscoring the significant barriers to finding common ground. Speaking shortly after Democratic control of the Senate had been assured, Reid said that he wants to increase revenue into the federal government by raising taxes on the wealthy. Boehner, on the other hand, said he is willing to raise revenue, but only by eliminating tax loopholes and not by raising rates. The comments by both are not surprising, particularly since negotiations haven't even begun yet, but aides from both sides say privately that if progress is not made in the next few weeks, it will make reaching a compromise very difficult.

Implications for the Arts
Because Congress is still trying to establish how it will deal with the fiscal cliff, state arts agencies must prepare for various scenarios.

The least desirable outcome would be for Congress to not reach an agreement and for the sequester to begin. Should the sequester be triggered, federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), will have to reduce spending by 8.2% for fiscal year 2013. This scenario would reduce Partnership Agreement funds available to state arts agencies drawn from the NEA's FY2013 budget to support states' FY2014 activities. (See http://www.nea.gov/manageaward/State-and-Regional-Handbook.pdf for more information on NEA funding and reporting cycles.)

However, leaders from both parties have already stated that they view the enactment of the sequester as devastating for the economy, so there is clearly an incentive on both sides of the aisle to try to reach an agreement. It is too early to know exactly what a compromise might entail, but we expect it to include substantial cuts in discretionary domestic spending, coupled with an increase in tax rates, at least on high-income earners, as well as the elimination of some tax deductions (though I think the charitable deduction will be spared). Should this scenario play out, a cut to NEA funding is likely, though it is far too early to speculate as to extent.

Another possibility is that members of Congress are able to agree only that they need more time, and rather than allowing sequestration to begin, they pass legislation delaying the start of the process. Doing this would allow newly elected members to be sworn in and would allow the president to name his cabinet appointments for the next term. It is widely believed that several key agency heads, including Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, will announce their resignations shortly, and other cabinet officers may decide to step down as well. Since it is the agency heads that will be charged with implementing the cuts, the president may ask for more time to ensure that this process is done as smoothly as possible.

In addition to dealing with the sequester in the short term, what Congress decides will have a significant impact on the FY2014 budget process. If Congress is still dealing with the sequester next year, it is very likely it would not have the time to conduct a normal budget process and would pass another short-term funding bill when current funding expires in March. In that event, the involvement of the House and Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittees—which typically have purview over NEA budget recommendations—is difficult to predict. So during the winter it will be important for arts advocates to be in good contact with not only committee leadership but also overall party leadership on both sides of the aisle to emphasize the return on investment that Congress and the states receive from the arts.

Leadership Elections
When Congress returns to session next week, House Republican leadership will hold its elections. Given the successful retention of its majority, it is unlikely that we will see a major shake-up in Republican leadership. John Boehner will, once again, lead the chamber, with the rest of his leadership team remaining intact.

Things are less clear on the Democratic side of the aisle. Nancy Pelosi, currently the highest-ranking Democrat in the House, has chosen to postpone her caucus's election until after the Thanksgiving holiday. This has been interpreted by many to indicate that she is strongly considering stepping down from her post, and wants to give other Democrats the opportunity to wage a campaign for the top spot. If she does decide to step down, Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the second-ranking Democrat in the House, will certainly vie for the top post; but he and Pelosi have never been close allies, and it is quite possible that Pelosi will support the candidacy of one of her top lieutenants for the job.

With the retirement of Representative Todd Platz (R-PA), leadership of the Congressional Arts Caucus also will change. Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) will remain the Democratic cochair of the Caucus, and it is incumbent upon her to invite a Republican colleague to fill Platz's position. If you know of Republican House members who would make a strong leader for this Caucus, please let us know.

While this memo focuses on near-term issues, know that NASAA is laying the groundwork for long-term work with the new Congress over the next year. In addition to advocating for NEA resources, we'll be looking at policy opportunities in education and other realms that affect the work of state arts agencies and their constituents. Look for more information from NASAA on those subjects in the months ahead.
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From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 12:13

Congress Passes Continuing Resolution through March 27, 2013;
Sequestration (Mandatory Cuts) Still on Schedule for January 2, 2013

After a week of tense negotiations, in the early-morning hours Saturday the U.S. Senate passed a six-month spending bill, to take effect October 1. The legislation includes a 0.6% spending increase for all discretionary programs, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). With the current fiscal year set to expire on October 1, lawmakers were under pressure to pass legislation before adjourning (which they did upon the bill's completion). Congress will now remain out of session until after the November elections.

There was also significant news made on September 14, when the Obama administration released its widely anticipated report on how it would implement the sequestration, the deficit-reducing mechanism enacted as part of the Budget Control Act of 2011 that requires substantial across-the-board cuts. In the report, the administration announced that in order to comply with the Budget Control Act (in other words, to cut nondefense funding by $54.7 billion in fiscal year 2013), it would have to reduce spending on domestic nondiscretionary spending accounts, including the NEA, by 8.2%. This would amount to a $12 million reduction in funding for the NEA in FY2013, which would affect NEA Partnership Agreement funds awarded for states' use in their 2014 fiscal years. It is important to note that the passage of the six-month spending bill has no impact on the Budget Control Act's 8.2% reduction slated for January 2, 2013.

The Obama administration and congressional leaders in both parties have spoken against sequestration and there is clearly momentum for altering it—if not completely repealing it. However, with the presidency and control of Congress hanging in the balance this November, do not expect any activity on this issue before the election.
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From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 12:12

House Committee Approves FY2013 Bill with Significant Reduction in Arts Funding

On June 28, the House Appropriations Committee passed the fiscal year 2013 Interior and Environment funding bill. The bill sets funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $132 million, a reduction of $14.3 million from the current allocation of $146.3 million. In its budget proposal to Congress earlier this year, the Obama administration proposed an increase in arts spending of almost $8 million over FY2012.

The report accompanying the appropriations bill states that the Committee "values greatly the longstanding collaborative relationship between the NEA and the States. State Arts Agencies support the arts for communities at the grassroots level regardless of their geographic location, providing much of their funding to smaller organizations, community groups, and schools rather than well-established arts organizations. The Committee supports the continuation of this effective partnership and urges the NEA to work constructively with States in developing and implementing arts education programs and policies."

Looking ahead to FY2013, the Committee identified several programs for recognition, including The Big Read, Challenge America, and Shakespeare in American Communities.

The Committee also used the report to express concern that the National Council on the Arts is "playing a diminished role and urges the NEA to fully engage the Council" with regard to policy and programmatic initiatives, in addition to providing counsel to the NEA on grants.

In its report, the Committee notes that it denied the NEA's request for $3 million for expenses related to its expected move away from the Old Post Office Building in Washington, D.C. The Committee explains that it chose this course because the NEA failed to provide it with "a detailed justification" for the funds, including relocation costs. The Committee instructs the NEA to work with the General Services Administration to identify relocation options for the Committee to consider.

Interestingly, the report mentions that the NEA has operated without congressional authorization since 1993, and therefore the Committee encourages the NEA to work with Congress to renew its authorization.

Finally, the report remarks that FY2013 bill language favorable to NASAA's members addressing grant award matching requirements and waiver procedures is the direct result of "extensive collaboration and consultation between the NEA and State Arts Agencies" last year. This is due in no small measure to the tremendous work of my predecessor and the terrific network of arts advocates throughout the country.

With the Committee's approval, the bill will now go before the full House, where amendments making further cuts in funding for the arts are possible. Though no timetable has been set for consideration by the full House, NASAA will continue to update you on the bill's progress.
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    [post_content] => June 21, 2012
To: State Arts Agency Executive Directors and Chairs
From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 11:12

House Appropriators Vote Cut in 2013 Arts Funding;
Senate Panel Sets Slight Increase to Arts Education Budget

The Interior Appropriations Subcommittee in the House of Representatives on June 20 approved the first draft of the fiscal year 2013 funding legislation, including a cut of $14.3 million in appropriations to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) from current funding of $146.3 million. The Obama administration had proposed an increase in arts spending to $154.255 million in the president's FY2013 budget request to Congress.

The full Appropriations Committee meeting in the House in the coming weeks is expected to approve the same funding level of $132 million in the Interior money bill. Last year, the House-passed bill would have set arts endowment funding at $135 million. For FY2013, the House measure approved by the subcommittee sets the same funding level of $132 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities.

There is no date set for when the bill might go to the House floor. Amendments to take further cuts in the arts spending should be anticipated.

No date has been set for action in the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on a companion bill. NASAA will keep you informed on the progress of NEA funding through the House and the Senate. NASAA and our fellow advocates are asking Congress to fund the NEA at $155 million in 2013. That's the same level of appropriations provided to the arts endowment in 2011 and the amount initially proposed by the Senate for 2012.

In action on other appropriations measures, the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 14 approved the FY2013 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education money bill, with $26.5 million for the Arts in Education innovation program of grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education. In the current fiscal year, the department is administering some $25 million in Arts in Education funds.
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    [post_content] => May 9, 2012

From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 10:12

Take Action: Contact Your Representatives and Senators
Urge NEA Funding at $155 Million for FY2013

2013 Appropriations Update: The House and Senate appropriations committees are beginning to draft legislation for funding across all agencies in the upcoming 2013 fiscal year. The budget allocations have been made to each of the appropriations subcommittees in both chambers. In the Senate, appropriators on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee—with jurisdiction over funds for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)—are working with the same total spending allocation as for FY2012. In the House it's a different story, with a budget resolution that hands $1 billion less to the Interior appropriators.

In my talks with staff on Capitol Hill, it is clear that austerity measures will need to be taken in the House bill expected to go to the floor by mid-June. In the Senate, Democrats and Republicans on the appropriations subcommittee who are working together to produce a bill should be in a better position to deliver funding closer to the 2012 spending levels.

Current funding for the NEA is at $146 million, and the president's budget proposes an increase to $154.255 million. NASAA and our fellow advocates are asking Congress to fund the NEA at $155 million in FY2013. That's the same level of appropriations provided to the arts endowment in 2011 and the amount initially proposed by the Senate for 2012.

Advocacy Action: House and Senate staffers continue to advise that legislators in Congress need to hear from constituents on the budget issues. Following on the visits to Capitol Hill made by you and other advocates on Arts Advocacy Day last month, take the time now to contact your senators and representatives and speak up in support of the arts. With discretionary domestic spending at high risk from threats to slash funds and eliminate programs, your legislators in Washington need to hear from you urging their support for NEA funding.

Contact your representatives and senators now:

 	
Urge your state's congressional delegation to support NEA funding for fiscal year 2013 at $155 million, the same funding level as in FY2011.
 	
Let your legislators know the importance of NEA funds to assist you in your work of expanding involvement in the arts and promoting cultural opportunities for the citizens of your state, particularly at a time when arts organizations are feeling the effects of the economic downturn.

Remind your legislators of the value of public support for the arts:

 	
The arts create jobs and produce tax revenue.
 	
The arts play a major role in revitalizing rural areas and inner cities. The arts attract businesses and industries.
 	
The arts promote cultural tourism.
 	
The arts encourage imagination and critical thinking that lead to success in school.

You may contact your senators and representatives by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

Engage with your legislators at home:

Advocacy begins in your own community, so take some time to develop relationships and continue communicating with your senators and representatives throughout the year. When members of Congress are home, take advantage of the opportunity to invite them to see your community programs in action.
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    [post_content] => March 23, 2012
From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 09:12
Contact Your Senators:
Urge Support on Letter to Appropriators for NEA 2013 Increase

Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) has circulated a letter—similar to a letter initiated last week in the House of Representatives by the Congressional Arts Caucus co-chairs—inviting his colleagues in the Senate to join him in signing a letter to the leadership of the Appropriations Committee and the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. Udall's letter urges increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in the coming 2013 fiscal year to the level proposed in the president's budget request of $154.255 million, up from $146 million this year.

Please contact your senators and ask them to sign the Dear Colleague letter circulated by Udall. A copy of the letter is included below.

If possible, please contact your senators before March 27.

 

March 27, 2012

The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye
Chairman
Senate Committee on Appropriations
Capitol, S=128
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Thad Cochran
Vice Chair
Senate Committee on Appropriations
Capitol, S=128
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Jack Reed
Chairman
Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies
Capitol, SD=131
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Lisa Murkowski
Ranking Member
Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies
Capitol, SH=125
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman Inouye, Vice Chair Cochran, Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Murkowski:

We write to express appreciation for your continued support of the National Endowment for The Humanities (NEH) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and to urge you to Support the President's funding request for the endowments as outlined in his Fiscal Year 2013 budget proposal. As our nation grapples with economic uncertainty, federal support for the arts and humanities is a vital economic, educational, and cultural priority that impacts communities across the United States.

The NEH is the primary source of federal support for humanities research and related activities in the United States. It provides support for professional development to scholars, educators, curators, librarians, historians, filmmakers, and more. Through the endowment's efforts, heritage is preserved, civic institutions are strengthened, and Americans are better prepared to address the challenges in a constantly changing world. In addition to appropriated funding, the NEH is able to leverage significant, non-federal contributions through competitive grant awards, with direct matching totaling more than $2 billion over the last few decades.

Federal funding for the NEH includes support for state humanities councils who work in partnership with the endowment to reach millions of Americans each year through teacher institutes, family literacy programs, and thousands of other programs. With this extensive network of state humanities councils and general NEH programming, the endowment reaches every state and territory across the nation.

For over 40 years, the NEA has provided strategic leadership and investment in the arts and has proudly expanded arts activity across the nation with the mission "to bring arts to every American." For every one dollar spent on federal arts initiatives there are eight non-federal dollars leveraged while at the same time children and communities are enriched through access to the arts that they might not otherwise have.

Federal funding for the NEA acts as seed money that generates massive economic return with the non-profit arts industry generating $166.2 billion annually in economic activity and supporting 5.7 million full-time jobs. Additionally, the federal government enjoys a direct return of $12.6 billion in income taxes, as well as the indirect benefit of improved education, community development, and increased business activity across the country.

The President's requested funding for FY13 for the NEA will help the endowment maintain its extremely successful programs, including The Big Read, Our Town, Challenge America, The Mayor's Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative, Blue Star Museums Shakespeare in American Communities, and Operation Homecoming. In FY11, the NEA awarded over $124 million in appropriated funds through just over 2,400 grants reaching all 435 congressional districts.

Thanks to your leadership, the NEH and NEA continue to play a vital role in every state. We urge you to continue to support federal funding of the arts and humanities in FY13 by adopting the President's request level for both endowments in your final appropriations legislation. We appreciate your attention to this vital funding, and look forward to working with you on this and the other important issues facing our nation.

Sincerely,
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From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 08:12

Contact Your Representatives:
Urge Support on Letter to Appropriations for NEA 2013 Increase

Reps. Todd Platts (R-PA) and Louise Slaughter (D-NY), the bipartisan leadership of the Congressional Arts Caucus, have circulated a letter to their colleagues in the House of Representatives asking legislators to join them in signing a letter to the chair of the Interior Appropriations Committee. That letter, addressed to Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), urges increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in the coming 2013 fiscal year to the level proposed in the president's budget request of $154.255 million, up from $146 million this year.

Please contact your representatives and ask them to sign the Dear Colleague letter circulated by Platts and Slaughter. A copy of both letters appears below.

Following is a list of those legislators who already have put their signatures on the letter, and those who signed a similar letter last year (FY2012) but have not done so this year. Please give special focus to contacting those who signed before and should sign again. If possible, contact your representatives by March 15.

FY2013 Current Cosigners
(Bold are new signers for FY2013)
1. Blumenauer – OR
2. Carnahan – MO 
3. Courtney – CT
4. DeLauro – CT
5. Farr – CA
6. Filner – CA
7. Alcee Hastings – FL
8. Hirono – HI
9. Holt – NJ
10. John Lewis – GA
11. Lofgren – CA
12. Maloney – NY
13. Matsui – CA
14. Michaud – ME
15. Moran – VA
16. Platts – PA
17. Polis – CO
18. Rangel – NY
19. Reyes – TX 
20. Richardson – CA
21. Slaughter – NY
22. Speier – CA 
23. Stark – CA
24. Van Hollen – MD
25. Wasserman Schultz – FL
26. Watt – NC
27. Welch – VT
28. Woolsey – CA
29. Yarmuth – KY

FY2012 Cosigners Yet to Sign on for FY2013
(of 61 total)
1. Berkley – NV
2. Berman – CA
3. Bordallo – GU
4. Brady – TX
5. Capps – CA
6. Capuano – MA
7. Christensen – VI
8. Cicilline – RI
9. Conyers – MI
10. Critz –PA
11. Davis, Danny K. – IL
12. Davis, Susan – CA
13. DeGette – CO
14. Deutch – FL
15. Dingell – MI
16. Ellison – MN
17. Engel – NY
18. Frank – MA
19. Grijalva – AZ
20. Jackson, Jesse – IL
21. Kildee – MI
22. Kucinich – OH
23. Langevin – RI
24. Loebsack – IA
25. McDermott – WA
26. McGovern – MA
27. Murphy, Chris – CT
28. Nadler – NY
29. Neal – MA
30. Pallone – NJ
31. Pascrell – NJ
32. Peterson, Collin – MN
33. Pingree – ME
34. Quigley – IL
35. Rothman – NJ
36. Schakowsky – IL
37. Waxman – CA
38. Wilson, Frederica – FL

 

Support FY13 Funding for the National Endowment for the Arts

From: The Honorable Todd Russell Platts
Sent By: kate.williamson@mail.house.gov
Date: 3/7/2012


Support the National Endowment for the Arts!
Deadline: March 15

Dear Colleague:

As co-chairs of the Congressional Arts Caucus, we invite you to join us in sending the attached letter to Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Simpson in support of increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

The letter asks for the President's request of $154.255 million for the NEA in the Fiscal Year 2013 Interior Appropriations bill to support the NEA's core mission to bring arts to every American. The NEA reached its peak in funding ($176 million) in 1992, and has never recovered from a 40 percent budget cut in FY 1996.

The FY 2013 request nearly restores the FY 2011 funding levels and represents an $8 million increase from the NEA's FY 2012 appropriation. In all, this figure proposes an increase of $6.7 million for the NEA's grant making over the FY2012 enacted budget, of which $2.7 million would go specifically toward state and regional arts organizations and $4 million would go directly to not-for-profit arts organizations across the country.

Continued funding for the NEA is a matter of American jobs. The non-profit arts industry supports 5.7 million full-time jobs and generates $166.2 billion in economic activity. America's arts and entertainment are also leading exports, with estimates of more than $30 billion annually in overseas sales. From the work of nonprofit arts agencies to the impact of cultural tourism, the creative sector is important to local and state economies all across the country.

The American public wants and needs an affordable investment in the arts. We urge you to join us in supporting the President's budget request at $154.255 million in the FY 2013 Interior Appropriations bill. The deadline to sign onto the letter is Thursday, March 15th. For more information or to sign onto the letter, please contact Stefanie Winzeler with Rep. Slaughter at stefanie.winzeler@mail.house.gov, or Kate Williamson with Rep. Platts at kate.williamson@mail.house.gov.

Sincerely,

 



Louise M. Slaughter
Todd Russell Platts



 

March XX, 2012

The Honorable Mike Simpson
Chairman
Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
B-308 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Simpson:

We urge you to support a funding level of $154.255 million for the National Endowment for the Arts in the Fiscal Year 2013 Interior Appropriations bill to support the NEA's core mission to bring the arts to every American. The NEA reached its peak funding at $176 million in 1992, and has never fully recovered from a 40 percent budget cut in FY 1996.

Thanks to your leadership, the NEA received $170 million in funding in the FY11 subcommittee markup, though the final NEA funding level in FY11 was set at $155 million before the across-the-board cut and was further reduced in FY12 to $146 million. Fulfilling the President's funding request at $154.255 million is a responsible way to utilize one our most effective and virtuous investment tools. For every one dollar we spend on federal arts initiatives we see eight non-federal dollars leveraged while at the same time enriching our children and communities with access to the arts they might not otherwise have.

This level of funding for FY13 will help the NEA maintain its extremely successful programs, including The Big Read, Our Town, Challenge America, The Mayor's Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative, Blue Star Museums, Shakespeare in American Communities, and Operation Homecoming, which help the NEA reach every congressional district in the country. In FY11, the NEA awarded over $118 million in appropriated funds through just over 2,100 grants reaching all 435 congressional districts. Few other federal investments have such a widespread impact and magnifying effect across the entire nation.

The NEA contributes to the development and economic growth of communities nationwide. Each year, the nonprofit arts industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity, and provides 5.7 million full-time jobs. At the same time, this industry returns $12.6 billion to the federal government in income taxes. The National Governors Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors recognize the enormous value of the arts in our communities and regional economies. Arts and culture-related industries provide direct economic benefits to states and communities: they create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer purchases. These businesses employ 2.99 million people, representing 4.14 percent of all businesses and 2.17 percent of all employees, respectively. America's arts and entertainment are also leading exports, with estimates of more than $30 billion annually in overseas sales. From the work of nonprofit arts agencies to the impact of cultural tourism, the creative sector is important to state economies all across the country.

The NEA supports life-long learning in the arts. The NEA's education programs have helped to sustain support in local communities for arts education, which has been proven to help close the education achievement gap and also benefit children and adults in many important ways throughout their lives. Students with an education rich in the arts have better grade point averages in core academic subjects, score better on standardized tests, and have lower drop-out rates than students without arts education.

We strongly urge you to support NEA funding at $154.255 million in the FY13 Interior Appropriations bill. By approving this level of funding, you will maintain the NEA's ability to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to benefit from the arts. We appreciate your attention to this request, and hope we can count on your continued support.

Sincerely,

 



Louise M. Slaughter, Member of Congress
Todd Russell Platts, Member of Congress



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    [post_content] => NEA 2013 Budget Honors States' Role in Federal Arts Funding

February 17, 2012
From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 07:12

The policy positions NASAA successfully impressed upon Congress last year are reflected in the Obama administration's fiscal year 2013 budget request for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Last year, NASAA and state arts agencies advocated for several changes to the NEA's proposed budget to ensure that states' interests were addressed in the appropriations legislation ultimately recommended by Congress for FY2012. According to documents released this week by the NEA, and following a briefing by NEA staff for NASAA personnel on the FY2013 budget details, all four of the positions advanced by NASAA last year are reflected in the budget proposed for the year ahead.

First, in proposing an increase in funding for the NEA from the 2012 level of $146 million to $154.255 million in 2013, the NEA's proposed budget allocates the congressionally mandated 40% share of program grant funds to the states. The 2013 budget requests an increase in support for Our Town grants from a current level of $5 million to $10 million in the coming year. Dollars for that initiative are included this time in program grants, with the states' allocation applied.

Second, the budget document proposes two legislative changes: one clarifying allowed matching funds for grants made to the states, and the other providing guidance on the waive-of-match provisions for states and regional arts organizations. The language proposed in both instances is that developed by NASAA in collaboration with the NEA. As explained in the budget, the NEA had included proposed legislative changes on these issues in its 2012 request, ". . . however, based on House Congressional guidance, the NEA engaged in extensive collaboration and consultation with a diverse group of State Arts Agencies and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. The result of these discussions is a proposal that reflects a consensus developed from our ongoing partnerships with the States."

Third, the 2013 budget proposes that funds to the states for Poetry Out Loud and for arts education initiatives be maintained at the current levels. Last year, anticipating disproportionate reduction in these funds, NASAA advocated to focus on maintaining fair treatment for support to the states for these activities, a position backed by congressional directive in the 2012 appropriations legislation.

Fourth, the 2013 NEA 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, but Congress directed the NEA "to continue its annual recognition of individuals with outstanding achievements in these disciplines in a similar manner to past years."

NASAA and our arts advocacy colleagues working with Congress have agreed to promote a funding level of $155 million for the NEA in 2013. That figure, which is slightly above the amount requested by the president, is identical to the arts endowment's appropriation two years ago and equal to the level proposed by the Senate appropriators going into negotiations on the 2012 budget. Later this spring, the House and Senate appropriations committees will begin their deliberations on the 2013 appropriations legislation. Bills are expected to go for floor votes in the House in June. NASAA will keep you apprised on the progress of that debate.
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    [post_content] => 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.
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    [post_title] => Back to the Future: Congress Begins a New Legislative Session
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    [post_content] => Save Arts Transportation Funds: Contact Your Representatives


January 31, 2012
From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 05:12

On Thursday, February 2, the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will consider new legislation—the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act—to reauthorize the federal transportation programs. Among the areas this bill will cover is the Transportation Enhancement program, which since 1992 has provided funding to states that support public art projects, transportation museums, landscaping and beautification, among other transportation-related activities.

In the past, state arts agencies often have worked as partners with state transportation agencies to apply for Transportation Enhancement funds and manage projects for public art, landscaping and structural design associated with surface transportation. The program has proved to be a significant source of support for public art in particular, as well as for design and historic preservation. Those funds are threatened with elimination in the committee's drafting of the new transportation reauthorization bill.

If your state's representative is a member of the House Transportation Committee, listed here, please take a moment before Thursday morning to contact your legislator's office to reject any proposals in the transportation reauthorization legislation that would weaken or eliminate the dedicated funding that has been in place since 1992 for the Transportation Enhancement program, which has served your state.

Urge support for the continued eligibility of public art programs supported by the Transportation Enhancement provisions.

You may reach your state's representatives by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Republicans
John L. Mica (FL), Chair
Don Young (AK)
Rick Crawford (AR)
Jeff Denham (CA)
Duncan Hunter (CA)
Gary Miller (CA)
Steve Southerland (FL)
Randy Hultgren (IL)
Timothy V. Johnson (IL)
Larry Bucshon (IN)
Jeff Landry (LA)
Andy Harris (MD)
Candice Miller (MI)
Chip Cravaack (MN)
Sam Graves (MO)
Billy Long (MO)
Frank Guinta (NH)
Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ)
Richard Hanna (NY)
Howard Coble (NC)
Bob Gibbs (OH)
Jean Schmidt (OH)
James Lankford (OK)
Lou Barletta (PA)
Patrick Meehan (PA)
Bill Shuster (PA)
John J. Duncan, Jr. (TN)
Chuck Fleischmann (TN)
Blake Farenthold (TX)
Shelley Moore Capito (WV)
Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA)
Thomas E. Petri (WI)
Reid Ribble (WI)

Democrats
Nick J. Rahall, II (WV), Ranking Member
Bob Filner (CA)
Grace Napolitano (CA)
Laura A. Richardson (CA)
Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)
Corrine Brown (FL)
Mazie Hirono (HI)
Jerry F. Costello (IL)
Daniel Lipinski (IL)
Leonard Boswell (IA)
Michael H. Michaud (ME)
Elijah E. Cummings (MD)
Donna F. Edwards (MD)
Michael E. Capuano (MA)
Timothy J. Walz (MN)
Russ Carnahan (MO)
Albio Sires (NJ)
Timothy H. Bishop (NY)
Jerrold Nadler (NY)
Heath Shuler (NC)
Peter A. DeFazio (OR)
Jason Altmire (PA)
Tim Holden (PA)
Steve Cohen (TN)
Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX)
Rick Larsen (WA)
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    [post_content] => December 19, 2011
From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 04:12

House and Senate Pass 2012 Funding, Restate 40% State Share

On Saturday, December 17, the Senate passed by a vote of 67-32 the fiscal year 2012 appropriations legislation to carry federal funding through next September for the agencies that had been left without secure funding for the fiscal year—including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The day before, December 16, the House had passed the measure, 296-121, with 147 Republicans joined by 149 Democrats voting in favor of the omnibus budget bill. The bill provides $146.255 million for the NEA (and for the National Endowment for the Humanities), the same level requested by the Obama administration and above the $135 million passed by the House in August, but less than the $155 million—the 2011 spending level—approved for 2012 by the Senate Appropriations Committee in September.

The House-Senate conference report embodying the funding agreement provides details and policy directives beyond the bill's language, including a restatement of the congressional mandate to allot 40% of grant funds to the states in the budget for the NEA. Addressing the administration's budget proposal to exempt funds for the Our Town initiative from the calculation of state funding, the report says: "The conferees disagree with the proposal . . . and direct that funds be distributed based on the longstanding agreement that States receive 40 percent of all appropriated grant funds."

State partnership funds, which totaled $50.152 million in 2011 and were proposed for a cut to $44.139 million in the administration's 2012 budget, will drop with the cut in overall NEA funding to $46.139 million. NASAA's advocacy with Congress to preserve the 40% state allocation ensured that the $2 million owed to the states in the partnership grants was not lost.

Other directives in the appropriations conference report urge that funds for the Shakespeare in American Communities and The Big Read initiatives be maintained "at an appropriate funding level to allow a vibrant, competitive program to be maintained." Similarly, the report disagrees with budget positions taken by the administration to eliminate the National Heritage Fellowship program and the American Jazz Masters Fellowship program, with the expectation that the NEA "continue its annual recognition of individuals with outstanding achievements in these disciplines in a similar manner to past years."

Finally, due to the long-standing number of vacancies on the National Council on the Arts, the House-Senate conferees "encourage" the NEA to address filling those empty positions "in a timelier manner than has been the case to date."
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From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 02:12

Senate Panel Approves Education Overhaul

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee moved ahead on October 20 with the long-delayed reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in approving a bill cosponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), chair of the committee, and Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY), the committee's ranking minority member. The bipartisan measure comes after more than two years of committee hearings, debate and negotiations. Significantly, the bill would eliminate current federal policies enacted in 2002 in the No Child Left Behind Act, such as the so-called "adequate yearly progress" requirements and the mandated federal sanctions for all schools that have created pressures to teach to the test.

Of relevance to arts education, the legislation would:

 	
retain arts education in the definition of a "core academic subject," ensuring eligibility for the use of federal funds locally on arts education objectives and activities;
 	
expand the meaning of "core academic subject" by incorporating the concept into—and thereby making the arts central to—additional federal education policies and programs within ESEA;
 	
create a new program called Extended Learning to provide competitive grants to school districts to extend their school day, specifying the arts and music as among the reasons for extending the time for learning;
 	
establish a competitive grant program with support for a broad range of subjects: arts, civics and government, economics, environmental education, financial literacy, foreign languages, geography, health education, history, physical education, and social studies, with an authorized funding level of $500 million. Currently, a similar set of programs is funded at a total of $265 million. The consolidated grant program was proposed by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and tracks a similar proposal in the Obama administration's 2012 budget;
 	
identify 10 programs of "National Significance" with a directive to the Department of Education to support "projects that encourage the involvement of persons with disabilities in the arts," presumably a reference to continuing support for VSA arts.

Harkin hopes to bring the bill to the Senate floor in December, where its prospects are uncertain. In the House, no substantive action has been taken on ESEA to mirror the bill adopted by the Senate committee.
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    [post_content] => DEBT CEILING DEAL SPELLS DEEP CUTS IN DISCRETIONARY FUNDS

From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel
August 9, 2011
Vol. 27:11

There can be little doubt about the result of the debt ceiling deal signed into law last week by President Obama. Discretionary spending will suffer mightily. President Obama has said that the deal will result in the lowest level of domestic non-defense spending since the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s.

The Budget Control Act of 2011 passed by the House and Senate increases the debt ceiling through the 2012 elections. Just as significantly, the new law creates a 12-member bipartisan commission of Senators and Representatives charged with cutting $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over ten years. The committee must complete its work by Thanksgiving this year and Congress must enact the cuts by December 23.

Everything in discretionary spending is on the table, and appropriators are initially uncertain how the recommendations of the new committee are going to interact with the appropriations process already underway. The debt limit bill sets spending caps for fiscal 2012, as well as fiscal 2013. The new law calls for trimming discretionary spending from the current $1.050 trillion level to $1.043 trillion in fiscal 2012. Since the Senate has not adopted a budget resolution, appropriators there now have the guidelines to allow them to proceed with their spending bills.

However, both sides of Capitol Hill see little chance, given the limited time, to complete all the spending bills by the start of the new fiscal year on October 1. Another continuing resolution is more likely. The objective is t