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    [post_date] => 2025-05-06 16:14:45
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    [post_content] => On Friday, the White House released the President Trump's first fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. As many anticipated, it recommends eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), along with other cultural institutions. While the recommendation is disappointing, it is not binding. Under the Constitution, Congress—not the executive branch—holds the authority to set federal funding levels. This proposal reflects the administration's broader goal of reducing the size and scope of government, but it will ultimately be up to lawmakers to decide whether to follow that path. As it did in response to similar proposals during the President's first term, we hope Congress will once again reject this recommendation on a bipartisan basis.

Now more than ever, it is essential that arts advocates make a compelling and public case for preserving federal support for the arts. We encourage every member to reach out to their elected officials and urge them to oppose the proposed elimination of the NEA. Remind them that 40% of the NEA's grant funds are distributed through the federal-state partnership, directly supporting state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations, and ensuring that NEA funding reaches every congressional district in the country. (See our Return on Investment: Public Arts Funding resources for case-making data and tools.) Most importantly, help them understand what this investment looks like in real life: whether it's a local performance, an arts education program or an exhibition, show them the impact in their own communities.

NASAA stands ready to support you during this critical moment. Our mission is rooted in ensuring that public funding for the arts remains strong, accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of communities across the country. We thank you for your advocacy, your leadership and your commitment to the arts. We will continue working alongside you to ensure that Congress sees—and supports—the enduring value of public investment in creativity.
    [post_title] => President's FY2026 Budget Cuts NEA
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    [ID] => 17059
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    [post_date] => 2025-05-05 14:37:41
    [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-05 19:37:41
    [post_content] => May 5, 2025

This past weekend, numerous National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants were terminated. The loss of these funds is a serious blow that will be felt across the nation.

The NEA plays a vital role in helping communities to thrive through the arts. Its work touches more than 24 million Americans each year. Federal arts funds facilitate public access to cultural opportunities in every U.S. congressional district. They spark economic growth, promote good health, bolster civic cohesion and catalyze positive community engagement. When it has full resources, the NEA ensures that every community has access to these advantages. 34% of NEA grant projects take place in high-poverty neighborhoods and 18% go to rural areas and small towns. 75% of NEA arts education grants engage underserved youth, helping them to flourish in and out of school.

In short, a strong NEA strengthens America. We should be sustaining our federal investment in the arts—not retracting it.

American taxpayers want to be able to count on government to keep its commitments. Each of the NEA's terminated grants had already passed a rigorous review process based on excellence and merit. Grantees, in turn, had already made commitments to their communities, workers and venues—promises that the federal government has now broken. NASAA fully respects that government agencies must adjust their services from time to time, to address executive or legislative goals and adapt to changing community conditions. But the abrupt termination of active grants is counterproductive.

Per a mandate from Congress, 40% of the NEA's grant funds must be allocated to state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations. Because the NEA is following this congressional directive, Partnership Agreements to state arts agencies have not been terminated. The federal-state partnership plays a critical role in the nation's arts infrastructure. It broadens the reach of federal funds and leverages additional state investments. The federal-state partnership ultimately yields more than 30,000 grants each year, reaching many underserved communities that lack direct access to federal funds. Sustaining the federal-state partnership is a positive step that will help to stabilize the arts field at a time of fiscal uncertainty.

NASAA stands for 100% of NEA funding. We call on Congress to make the NEA whole and to ensure that all communities have access to the arts. Please join our efforts. Sign up for NASAA's Legislative Alerts and download our free advocacy tools.
    [post_title] => Statement on Cancellation of NEA Grants
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    [post_date] => 2025-05-02 16:20:24
    [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-02 21:20:24
    [post_content] => On May 2, 2025, the White House submitted its budget request to Congress for fiscal year 2026. It calls for elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have rejected past proposals to eliminate the federal cultural agencies. Congress has sustained funding for the NEA because the arts strengthen America:

 	
The arts strengthen our economy. The arts and creative industries generate a $36.8 billion trade surplus and add $1.2 trillion in value to the U.S. gross domestic product. The NEA and state arts agencies catalyze cultural production and grow the talent pool for this important American industry that creates 5.4 million jobs on American soil.
 	
The arts help Main Street to thrive. The arts are a boon to local merchants. Attendees at nonprofit arts events spend more than $34 per outing beyond the cost of admission—money that local restaurants and retailers rely on.
 	
While many industries produce jobs and revenue, only the arts offer a fivefold bottom line that strengthens our nation. Arts activity supported by the NEA and state arts agencies boosts economic productivity, improves education outcomes, fosters civic cohesion, facilitates good health, and preserves cherished traditions that tell our country's story. These are consensus values that all Americans want for their families and communities.

 

NASAA respectfully calls on Congress to sustain funding for the NEA. Every state and jurisdiction would see a positive impact:

 	
The NEA supports community arts activities in all 435 U.S. congressional districts. Through its 2,400+ direct grants and an additional 8,171 state and regional awards that regrant federal funds, the NEA achieves broad national reach—especially in rural and low-income areas.
 	
Per a congressional directive, 40% of the NEA's grant funds go to states. This exemplary federal-state partnership broadens the reach of federal funds and leverages additional state investments. The partnership yields more than 30,000 awards made by state arts agencies and regional arts organizations each year.
 	
Relying exclusively on private funds will leave many communities behind. A healthy arts sector needs both public and private investment. But not all communities have big foundations or wealthy donors, and rural areas receive a fraction of philanthropic dollars. Public funding for the arts plays an essential role in making sure all communities get access to the advantages the arts offer. Federal arts funds alone reach 678 counties that foundation dollars do not.

 

A federal arts investment is timely because the NEA helps Congress and the White House attain specific goals:

 	
The NEA is efficient and accountable. Since inauguration, the agency voluntarily streamlined its grant programs and downsized the agency workforce. It manages a high volume of grants competitively adjudicated on the basis of merit.
 	
The NEA is playing an active role in the America 250 celebration. State arts agencies are an essential part of that initiative. 87% are planning to make grants, 96% are active promotional partners, and more than two-thirds serve on America 250 commissions or committees. Any disruption of federal support to state arts agencies will weaken national America 250 efforts.
 	
The NEA provides a great bang for the buck. Every NEA grant dollar leverages more than $9 in matching funds and other contributions. This impressive return on investment is a great deal for taxpayers.

 

Defunding the NEA is a false economy that would weaken an important American industry and hurt every state and jurisdiction. Families would be affected when their children's arts programs close. Local businesses would suffer. We'd lose an important thread in the fabric of American communities, where the arts preserve our cherished traditions for future generations.

NASAA is deeply disappointed by this attempt to eliminate federal arts funding. We are just as deeply resolved to sustain the NEA. And we are not alone. Our conviction is shared by Republicans and Democrats and Independents; by civic leaders who have seen their communities restored through the arts; by businesses who need innovative workers; by veterans who draw strength from the arts to recover from battle wounds; by parents who want their children to flourish; and by hardworking taxpayers who know that the arts are essential to their community's well-being.

Please join our efforts. Sign up for NASAA's Legislative Alerts, download our free advocacy tools and follow our advocacy work on Facebook.
    [post_title] => Statement on Proposed Elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts
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    [post_date] => 2025-04-11 07:43:53
    [post_date_gmt] => 2025-04-11 12:43:53
    [post_content] => We’re pleased to be in dialogue with many of you as federal developments unfold in Washington, D.C. Thanks for always doing your part when we make individual calls for your assistance.

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

What can you do now?

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your work to share these important messages.
    [post_title] => Legislative Update; What You Can Do
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    [post_date] => 2025-03-04 18:03:42
    [post_date_gmt] => 2025-03-04 23:03:42
    [post_content] => With the deadline for federal funding set to expire on March 14, Republicans and Democrats are working to find common ground that will allow a continuing resolution (CR) to pass. A CR is a temporary funding measure that keeps the government operating at current spending levels when a formal appropriations bill has not been enacted. The most pressing question in the deliberations is how to account for cuts in federal programs already implemented by the Trump administration. Democrats are seeking protections to ensure that further cuts will not be made after a spending deal is reached, but the administration has indicated that more reductions are forthcoming.

While it is far too early to know how these talks will play out, we remain hopeful that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will emerge from these negotiations with level funding for the remainder of the fiscal year. As we approach the March 14 deadline, we will monitor the discussions closely and keep you up to date. Even as these conversations heat up, Congress is expected to begin working on the FY2026 bill, and Speaker Johnson has indicated that many of the spending reductions proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency will be part of that spending plan.

At NASAA, we encourage everyone to maintain respectful dialogue with members of Congress during this challenging time. We know that members from both sides of the aisle will be working to support the NEA and the federal-state partnership. To aid in this effort, it is important to provide members of Congress with up-to-date information about what your agency is doing and how you are supporting your community. Be sure to emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. (See Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation for additional talking points.) By doing so, you help to ensure that lawmakers have the data and talking points necessary to advocate effectively for continued federal investment in the arts.

As always, NASAA remains committed to championing the value of public funding for the arts. The months ahead will be critical, and your engagement will play a vital role in that process. We appreciate your dedication to advancing the arts in your communities. We will continue to provide updates and guidance as the legislative process unfolds.
    [post_title] => As Congress and the Administration Focus on Appropriations, Focus on Your Relationships
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    [post_date] => 2025-02-04 12:59:13
    [post_date_gmt] => 2025-02-04 17:59:13
    [post_content] => On January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. Almost immediately afterward, the President lived up to his promise to be bold and active. Within a week of taking office, the administration's Office of Management and Budget released a memorandum that paused funding programs from all federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

This announcement was met with significant concern, but also extensive questions, as organizations that rely on their support from agencies like the NEA were left wondering if their funding was safe, paused or eliminated altogether.

One week later, organizations across the country in all sectors of our economy were still trying to understand the administration's intentions and what the impact would be. While the order was ultimately challenged in court and rescinded, we expect the administration to continue to scrutinize funding programs closely. For our part, we want our members to know that NASAA has your back and is constantly meeting with leaders in the executive and legislative branches to gather as much information as possible.

Additionally, this episode indicates that the Trump administration is going to carefully scrutinize every dollar appropriated by Congress. Therefore, we strongly advise you to connect with your elected officials in Washington to update them on your work and explain why funding from the National Endowment for the Arts is so critical to state arts agencies and local organizations, who work to ensure that the money is spent in the most efficient way possible, designed to maximize impact. Emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. (See Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation for additional talking points.)

In closing, I want to convey that we have experienced episodes of uncertainty in the past. We have found that we are most effective when we are unified and deliberate in building and maintaining relationships on both sides of the political aisle.
    [post_title] => As Administration Scrutinizes Funding, We Make the Case
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    [post_date] => 2025-01-07 18:15:38
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    [post_content] => With less than two weeks before President-elect Trump is sworn in for his second term on January 20, the new Congress has arrived in Washington to take their oaths and begin governing. This Congress and the incoming administration face a packed agenda. Chief among their tasks is negotiating a full funding bill for fiscal year 2025. Before the holidays, Congress extended federal FY2025 funding only until March 14, giving the new administration less than two months to secure a comprehensive agreement.

Additionally, Congress will need to address the debt ceiling, projected to be reached this summer and requiring bipartisan negotiation to lift it. President-elect Trump has signaled his priorities for the legislative year, including a reconciliation bill to extend and expand the 2017 tax law, amend immigration laws and potentially revisit provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act.

For supporters of the arts, this period of transition presents challenges and opportunities. Our focus will remain on building bipartisan support for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and state arts agencies. While we await the announcement of the next NEA chair, we hope the president-elect selects someone with a vision and dedication similar to those of Mary Anne Carter, who successfully led the agency during Trump's first term.

How can you contribute to this effort? Start by contacting your congressional delegation:

 	
Share updates about your agency's programs and emphasize the integral role of federal funding in making them possible.
 	
Emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. (See Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation for additional talking points.)
 	
Highlight the federal-state partnership, which ensures that 40% of all NEA grant dollars flow directly to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. With many new congressional staff members just settling into their roles, this is a critical moment to educate them about the partnership's structure and its benefits.

As we step into this year of significant transition, let's work together to ensure that the arts remain a priority in Washington. Your voice and advocacy are essential to sustaining and strengthening federal support for the arts.
    [post_title] => Preparing for Transition: Advocacy for the Arts in a New Washington
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    [ID] => 15876
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    [post_date] => 2024-12-03 13:37:25
    [post_date_gmt] => 2024-12-03 18:37:25
    [post_content] => Last month, the Republican Party and President Donald Trump won a sweeping victory in the 2024 elections. President Trump was elected to a second term, while Republicans were able to win control of the Senate while maintaining a slim majority in the House of Representatives.

The result means that, for the first time since December 2018, Republicans will control both the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, and with it, the opportunity to enact a series of reforms. How the president-elect and his congressional allies will choose to spend their political capital at this time is unclear. Broadly, the president-elect has raised the prospect of tariffs and other measures he hopes will spur the economy.

However, his strategy for how he plans to shape his domestic agenda is yet to come in to view. Congress is currently back in Washington, where it hopes to extend funding for the federal government before it expires on December 20. That is expected to occur through a continuing resolution that will extend current funding levels for all federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), until sometime in the spring (early drafts have proposed a March/April time frame).

Should that occur, we likely will not know how the president-elect and his administration plan to shape their government, and their funding priorities, until they start working with the new Congress on a new funding package in January.

While much is not known at this time, it is quite possible that the new administration will propose eliminating or defunding the National Endowment for the Arts. Each of President Trump's budget requests to Congress during his first term included this recommendation. Should that occur, it is important to note that each proposal to do so was roundly rejected by Congress, on a bipartisan basis, and that the agency actually received funding increases.

As you might imagine, we are spending a lot of time as an organization thinking about how to best represent state and jurisdictional arts agencies in this new environment. As we head into this period, there are several factors that I think are worth noting:

 	
Rhetoric does not always mean action. Candidates running for President from both parties make statements about how they want to reshape the function of government in their image. Sometimes these statements are genuine, and other times they are intended to appeal to a faction of political constituents. Regardless, our government limits the power of the executive branch to reshape the government without the explicit support of Congress. In other words, no President has the ability or authority to eliminate any agency without Congress's approval.
 	
The National Endowment for the Arts has strong support by members of the Trump transition team and Republican leaders in Congress. While we are not aware of designs to eliminate funding for the arts at this time, it is an understandable concern. We are bolstered by knowing that members of Congress from both parties have stood up to challenges to the NEA's authority, and the federal-state partnership, from actions by both Democratic and Republican administrations. And we fully expect that support to continue and strengthen.
 	
We have a voice and role to play. As leaders of state agencies, we have the ability to be instrumental in supporting the Arts Endowment and the federal-state partnership, which allocates 40% of NEA grant funding to state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations. Our ability to connect federal funding to important work happening at the state and local levels has proved invaluable in convincing members of both parties of the return on investment that comes from public support of the arts.

As the new Congress begins, it will be imperative that we use our voice to make the case to members of Congress and the Trump administration about the tremendous value that is derived from federal support for the arts. In the coming weeks, NASAA will be meeting with the incoming leadership team for President Trump as well as Congress. We will report back regularly while working with you to develop the most effective messaging possible to support the arts.

 
    [post_title] => Bipartisan Arts Support in Congress
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    [post_date] => 2024-10-01 11:14:58
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    [post_content] => Last week, Congress reached a bipartisan agreement to avoid a government shutdown, keeping the government funded until December 20 through a continuing resolution. This means that all government agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), will continue operating at their current funding levels for the time being. However, for arts advocates, the real work lies ahead.

Once the election is over, Congress is expected to reconvene and negotiate a full appropriations bill for the remainder of fiscal year 2025. At stake for the arts community is the funding level for the NEA. Currently, there is a significant difference between the proposals from the House and Senate. The Senate has proposed a modest increase of $2 million for FY2025, while the House has passed a bill that would reduce NEA funding by over $3 million, bringing it down to just below $204 million.

The path forward is uncertain, but there is reason for optimism. Bipartisan support for the arts is strong in the House and Senate, and we are hopeful that this support will prevail in final negotiations. It is essential for arts advocates to continue pushing for the Senate's proposed increase, which would help bolster arts programming across the country.

One positive note is that both the House and Senate bills maintain full support for the NEA's federal-state partnership, which ensures that 40% of all NEA grant dollars are allocated to the states and regions. This ongoing commitment is critical for bringing the arts to every corner of the country, and we are grateful for the continued backing of this important partnership.

As we near the November elections and Congress heads into recess, we urge you to stay engaged. Please reach out to your elected officials and advocate for the higher funding level for the NEA. Emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. (See Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation for additional talking points.) Every voice matters, and continued support for the arts helps strengthen communities, drive creativity and enrich our shared culture.
    [post_title] => Congress Keeps Government Open, But Arts Funding Remains in the Balance
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    [post_date] => 2024-09-03 10:47:30
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    [post_content] => As Congress returns to session this week after a month-long recess, they face an important deadline: the end of the fiscal year on September 30. With limited time to finalize a full appropriations bill for fiscal year 2025, it's likely that they will opt for a continuing resolution, extending government funding until after the November elections. While this isn't the preferred approach, it has become a practical solution given the tight time frame.

As you know, a continuing resolution will have an impact on federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Before adjourning, the Senate proposed increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts by $2 million, raising the total to $209 million. However, should Congress be unable to approve a formal budget, a continuing resolution would mean that the NEA (and all agencies) would continue to operate at their FY2024 funding levels until an agreement is reached.

Therefore, if you haven't already, now is the time to contact your senators and encourage them to support the proposed funding increase for the arts. The next few weeks are crucial in determining whether this much-needed boost will be realized. Your advocacy can help ensure that the arts receive the support they deserve as Congress navigates the coming weeks.

If you have questions about how to shape your discussion with your congressional office, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
    [post_title] => Despite Likely CR, Encourage NEA Support in Congress
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    [post_content] => The U.S. Congress is out of session this week for the July 4th holiday. Before members left town, we saw a flurry of activity related to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Specifically, the long-awaited fiscal year 2025 funding proposal from the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee was released, calling for the NEA's appropriation to be reduced from $207 million to $203.895 million. While it is disappointing to see this proposed reduction, we have to consider that House Republicans are under substantial pressure to reduce overall spending, and so the chances of a funding package leaving the NEA harmless were almost nil. Further, It is worth noting that last year's bill from the House proposed a much steeper (10%) cut, so the current proposal demonstrates the continued support the agency continues to have from key decision makers in the chamber.

When Congress returns to D.C. after the holiday, we also expect the Senate, which as of this writing has not released its FY2025 budget draft, to do so. Last year, you may recall that in the aftermath of the House's proposal to slash funding for the arts, the Senate responded with a strong bipartisan consensus to maintain level funding for the NEA. While we hope to see similar support in the Senate this year, we must not take anything for granted.

Therefore, if you have not done so already, I would strongly encourage you to touch base with your senators to share the following points:

 	
Urge them to oppose the House's proposed cut, and to support level funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. In doing so, remind them that 40% of all grant dollars allocated to the NEA go directly to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. (See Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation for additional talking points.)
 	
Tell them about new developments within your agency and about the vital role federal support for the NEA has on your agency's programming. This information is critically important, because it personalizes the proposed cuts and helps members of Congress understand the real-life impact.

As we await the Senate's proposal, it is crucial for advocates of the arts to remain vocal and engaged. The small size of the proposed reduction by the House of Representatives is a testament to the efficacy of our efforts thus far, and it is equally important that our champions in the Senate hear from us as well.
    [post_title] => Urge Senate Support for FY2025 Arts Funding
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    [post_date] => 2024-06-07 07:59:45
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    [post_content] => With the Presidential election heating up, ongoing efforts to secure funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have slowed. As you know, the President has recommended increasing the NEA's budget to $210.1 million, a slight but significant rise from the current $207 million. When that figure was announced, we heard from Congressional leadership that there was interest by both parties to try to pass all 12 appropriations bills by the summer recess in August, to allow members to focus entirely on their campaigns.

Unfortunately, as we approach mid-June, that scenario seems increasingly unlikely. At the moment, we await the proposal from the House of Representatives, which has been less generous in its support in recent years. Last year, the House recommended a 10% reduction in NEA funding, and there is a strong possibility that we will see a similar proposal this year. This potential cut is a reminder of the ongoing hurdles the NEA faces in securing stable and adequate funding.

Despite these challenges, there is reason for optimism. The NEA continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the value of the arts in fostering community engagement, education and economic development. This broad base of support is crucial as we move into the next phase of the budget approval process.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative for arts advocates to take action. If you haven't had the chance to do so yet, please consider contacting your members of Congress and urging them to support the NEA. Emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. This reinforces that even in this difficult climate, the public continues to understand and value the role of arts funding in strengthening and improving our communities.
    [post_title] => Emphasize Value of Arts and Creativity with Lawmakers
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    [post_date] => 2024-05-01 06:00:40
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    [post_content] => As this column goes to press, Congress is finally beginning the process of passing appropriations bills for fiscal year 2025. Its delay in doing so is not due to a lack of interest, but rather the result of the extended time it took Congress and President Biden to reach an agreement on the FY2024 bill.

As you know, that legislation was ultimately enacted in late March, and resulted in the previous year's National Endowment for the Arts appropriation of $207 million being extended for another year. While we always hope for an increase, there is no question that this was the best possible outcome, given that the House of Representatives started the process last year by proposing a 10% cut. It took Democrats and Republicans working hard behind the scenes, along with strong input from the public—including advocates like you—to overcome that potential reduction.

Though it is still early, I am sorry to report that we expect a similar proposal this year. Meetings with key staff in Congress have indicated that while support for the NEA remains strong—and bipartisan—the House Interior Appropriations Committee is expected to propose a significant reduction in funding for the agency (along with most federal agencies). As a result, we will need to be diligent in our support for the NEA, once again making constructive arguments about why any reduction in funding would negatively impact the country.

As always, the best way to counter such a proposal is by conveying the tangible ways in which a decrease in funding would impact local communities. Through the federal-state partnership in the arts, which allocates 40% of all NEA grant funds to state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations, NEA funding directly supports every congressional district in the United States. As a result, we have the ability to show the real benefits each district experiences as a result of federal support for the arts.

As we prepare for the possibility of a lower funding proposal for the NEA, I encourage you to think about any recent successes or events you can use as examples of the efficacy of federal arts funding, so that when such a proposal is made public we are ready to respond quickly. While I am sorry that we will be in a defensive circumstance again this year, I am bolstered by the incredible efforts made by each of you to be effective champions for the arts. I look forward to working with you again this year.
    [post_title] => Congress Considers Arts Funding for FY2025
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    [post_date] => 2024-04-03 17:06:11
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    [post_content] => March was on track to be one of the most consequential months of the year, with Congress facing a looming government shutdown and the President planning to submit his proposal for government funding to Congress for fiscal year 2025. Not only did Congress manage to avert two partial government shutdowns with last-minute, bipartisan agreements, but the President surprised many with an ambitions spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year that proposes to increase appropriations for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to $210 million, $3 million over its current allocation.

While we always seek the boldest funding level possible for the NEA, we are thrilled and appreciative that the administration continues to show support for federal arts funding despite the significant pressures to reduce spending. At NASAA we fully support this request and we are doing everything we can to push for that figure as Congress begins its work on the FY2025 appropriations process. To that end, we are meeting with key staff in Congress, informing them about the important work of the Arts Endowment as well as the unique federal-state partnership that directs 40% of all NEA grant dollars to state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations. This dynamic relationship ensures that grant funding is reaching every community in the United States.

April is a great month to reach out to your elected officials in Congress and to urge their support for federal arts funding. It is critical that these members hear from constituents because, while the President's budget request is important, it is just that, a request. Congress has the constitutional authority to set appropriations for all federal agencies. As such, it can accept the higher figure, or propose something lower, as the House of Representatives did last year when it put forth a 10% reduction (which was ultimately defeated).

In reaching out to your members of Congress, we suggest the following:

 	
Thank them for Congress's decision to extend level funding for the National Endowment for the Arts for the remainder of FY2024 in last month's omnibus appropriations bill. Given the deep cuts proposed in the House of Representatives, maintaining level funding was a major win for the arts.
 	
Urge them to support the President's requested FY2025 level for the NEA of $210 million, as well as the federal-state partnership, which continues to support state arts agencies throughout the country.
 	
Emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. (See Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation for additional talking points.)
 	
In asking for an increase in funding for the NEA, tell them about the tremendous return on investment they can expect for their support. Inform them about new and exciting developments at your state arts agency and about an arts related program in their community. These stories help make funding for the NEA real and tangible, not just another line item on a spreadsheet.

Please know that these touchpoints are a major factor in the deliberations members of Congress go through in setting appropriations each year. Hearing from you affirms for them that their constituents believe in the value of arts funding. If you have any questions about how best to approach your elected officials, please do not hesitate to contact me.
    [post_title] => Support President's Proposed FY2025 Increase for NEA
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    [post_date] => 2024-02-06 17:36:37
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    [post_content] => As I noted in last month's column, Congress returned to session in January with aspirations to solve the looming fiscal year 2024 budget crisis. Due to significant differences of opinion between the House and Senate late last year, Congress had elected to extend current funding levels rather than passing a full appropriations bill. The idea at that time was that the extension would give negotiators time to resolve their disputes and pass a long-term funding bill. Unfortunately, when they came back to D.C. last month, we saw that many of those differences—largely whether Congress should significantly reduce domestic discretionary spending—remain in place. As a result, Congress passed another short-term funding package, and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and other federal agencies continue to operate in a state of uncertainty about which approach will ultimately be the chosen path forward.

Also complicating matters for appropriators hoping to get the budget deal done were the extensive deliberations that took place in January over legislation that sought to address immigration issues as well as provide emergency supplemental funding for the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Working on those issues is sucking a lot of the oxygen out of any budget talks. As this work continues, we at NASAA want to continue to raise awareness of the fact that, if Congress is not able to find a compromise on the FY2024 budget soon, the NEA and other federal agencies will pay the price—in the form of a one-percent across-the-board spending reduction. This measure, known as sequestration, was included in the agreement Congress passed last year when it agreed to raise the debt limit. That one-percent reduction will be triggered if Congress has not passed a full FY2024 appropriations bill by May 1, a circumstance that seems more plausible with each passing day.

The delay in resolving funding issues impacts our work preparing for the FY2025 budget cycle. Under normal circumstances, the President's budget proposal to Congress would be public by now, leading to a furious push by advocates, including NASAA, to urge support of funding for the NEA. However, with 2024's spending package still up in the air, that work is understandably put on hold. So we continue to meet with members of Congress and their staff to thank them for their steadfast support, and be available should any questions arise.

For you as an arts advocate, while it is too early to talk about the next budget proposal, it is completely appropriate, and helpful to congressional staff, for you to keep them in the loop about any developments at your agency that impact your operations. Once the funding process for FY2024 is resolved, Congress will have to pivot quickly to FY2025, and we will not have the usual amount of time to make our case. Remember that in addition to a tighter time frame due to the budget standoff, this is also an election year, which means members of Congress will spend less time in Washington and more time on the campaign trail.

Therefore, it would be timely and helpful for you to keep your representatives apprised about what you are working on and the general state of your agency. If you have any questions about how to have these conversations in this difficult environment, don't hesitate to reach out.
    [post_title] => Sequestration Possible If Congress Does Not Act
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    [post_date] => 2024-01-03 13:59:47
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    [post_content] => Congress plans to return to D.C. next week following a lengthy holiday recess. When it does, members will be confronted with a time line to fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2024 (which began on October 1, 2023, and ends on September 30, 2024). You may recall that when Congress extended current funding for the federal government in November, it chose to fund some agencies only until January 19; the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is one of the agencies that has funding in place until February 2.

So far, negotiations between House Republicans and Senate Democrats are not inspiring a lot of optimism that a deal can be reached. Even the most basic tenet of an agreement, a top-line spending figure for the entire budget, has not been settled upon. Without this number in place, it is almost impossible to negotiate the terms for particular agencies and programs, which is where a lot of the difficult decisions must be made. The crux of this disagreement is based on the fact that Democrats—and Senate Republicans—feel that the top-line number should be the figure already signed into law as part of the bipartisan debt-limit deal passed last year. Republican leadership in the House, however, is seeking even deeper reductions.

Also complicating the negotiations a debt-limit agreement provision that garnered little attention at the time: if Congress has not passed all 12 funding bills by April 30 of this year, a mandatory spending reduction of 1% (known as sequestration) would be put into effect. At the time of the bill's passage, the risk of such a scenario seemed low, but with each passing day it appears more likely.

For those of us who are focused on supporting the Arts Endowment, our work remains. We wholeheartedly endorse the bipartisan group of senators urging Congress to support the previously agreed upon spending levels, so that Congress can set about finalizing the appropriations process. We are also deeply supportive of the legislation passed on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis that would maintain level funding for the NEA. In this environment, such an outcome would be a major vote of confidence for the agency and its impact.

It is our hope that members of Congress will be able to work together in the next few weeks to finalize the FY2024 appropriations process. The potential for an-across-the-board cut in funding of 1% would have a real and tangible impact on communities across the country.
    [post_title] => NEA	2024 Funding Awaits Action in Congress
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    [post_date] => 2023-12-05 11:07:51
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    [post_content] => As we reported last month, Congress was able to thwart the potential, yet again, of a government shutdown by passing a short-term funding package that maintains existing funding levels until early 2024. The intention in doing so was to allow more time for the newly elected speaker of the House, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), to negotiate a full-year spending bill with Senate Democrats and President Biden.

As of the publication of this column, it is not clear whether any progress has been made toward reaching that goal. Nevertheless, we at NASAA remain resolute in our efforts to continue to engage with members from both parties to tout the tremendous impact that funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has on communities across the country. You can amplify our efforts by reaching out to your elected officials in Congress to urge them to support robust funding for the NEA in these negotiations. Specifically, we suggest the following:

 	
Urge them to support the Senate's proposal to maintain level funding for the NEA at $207 million. While the President proposed modestly increasing funding to $211 million, in the current environment we recognize that level funding would be a major vote of confidence from Congress, especially since the House proposed reducing the NEA's budget by 10%.
 	
Thank them for their ongoing support for the federal-state partnership, the unique agreement between the NEA and state arts agencies that directs 40% of the federal agency's grant funding directly to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. (See Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation for additional talking points.)
 	
Use the opportunity to update them about your agency's efforts to support the community through arts programs and initiatives. If appropriate, invite the member of Congress and their staff to attend an event or exhibit you might be hosting or supporting. These direct interactions really help cement for members of Congress the direct benefits their constituents derive from Congress's support.

During these challenging and uncertain times, we are deeply grateful for your continued support for the NEA and the federal-state partnership. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have about how to best approach your congressional delegation.
    [post_title] => Now Is the Time to Urge Support for the NEA
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    [post_date] => 2023-11-01 13:55:08
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    [post_content] => After many weeks without a speaker, Republicans in the House of Representatives closed ranks and voted unanimously to approve Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana to lead the chamber. With Johnson now in place, the House has begun to resume regular legislative business.

A priority of Speaker Johnson is to complete the appropriations process as soon as possible. As you know, Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown in September, when it agreed to a short-term continuing resolution that funds all federal agencies until November 17. With that deadline quickly approaching, the House is attempting to pass all 12 appropriations bills, including that of the Interior Department and Related Agencies (which includes the National Endowment for the Arts [NEA]). While no vote on that bill has been set yet, we do expect it to happen soon. In fact, the House Rules Committee is meeting today to consider amendments to it, including two that would eliminate funding for the Arts Endowment.

While it is disappointing that two members of Congress have decided to offer amendments of this nature, we do not expect either to garner significant support. Nonetheless, with Congress working aggressively to finalize appropriations this year, now is the ideal time to contact your members of Congress and urge them to:

 	
oppose any amendments that would reduce or eliminate funding for the National Endowment Arts, and
 	
support the Senate's proposal to maintain level funding for the agency.

Strengthen your message to your representatives with these important points:

 	
Share that 40% of all grant dollars allocated to the agency go directly to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations, broadening the impact of the funding and allowing the NEA to support grants in every congressional district in the United States.
 	
Remind them that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that strengthens every city, town and rural community nationwide.

Much like in September, we expect negotiations on the federal budget to go down to the wire. It is unclear at this time whether Speaker Johnson has the will (and political capital) to make a deal with Senate Democrats to extend funding. Therefore, a government shutdown is appearing to be a likely outcome. As the negotiations continue, NASAA will keep you up to date.
    [post_title] => House Plans Vote on NEA Funding Soon: Contact Your Legislators
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    [post_date] => 2023-10-04 16:19:26
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    [post_content] => When working in Washington, and specifically with Congress, one expects many twists and turns—but last weekend was one of the most remarkable in my time in politics. As of Saturday morning, September 30, a government shutdown looked all but certain. Federal funding was set to expire at midnight, and the primary negotiators of a deal, House Republican leadership and Senate Democratic leadership, were very far apart on its contours. However, in a striking reversal, leaders from both parties were able to come together. Thanks to overwhelmingly bipartisan votes in both chambers of Congress that extended current funding until November 17 through a continuing resolution, a shutdown was averted, at least for the time being.

The obvious question is, what happens now? Frankly, it is hard to tell. Normally when a continuing resolution is passed, it is done to allow negotiators time to work on a more permanent agreement. However this time, House Republicans immediately took a vote to remove Kevin McCarthy as speaker to due to the deal he reached with Democrats. As a result, the chamber is left without a leader, and this process will need to play itself out before any work can be done on a full-year spending package. The reason for this is that if Republicans decide to appoint an ally of McCarthy, that member may feel emboldened and have more leeway to cut deals with Democrats moving forward. This would certainly pave the way for a spending bill to pass this fall. Should a more conservative member be selected, that person may be in a position where they are forbidden from making such a compromise. If that should occur, the prospect of a shutdown in November increases significantly.

At NASAA, it is important for our work to remain outside of this polarizing voting process. We must focus on continuing to meet with members of Congress from both parties to keep them up to date about events happening in their districts (and states), and how funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is integral. We will continue to urge Congress to maintain funding for the agency at $207 million (the figure contained within the continuing resolution) and to support the federal-state partnership, which directs 40% of NEA program dollars to state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

We continue to urge all of you to do the same. However, we also encourage you to trust your instincts regarding the timing of this interaction. This is a very tense period of time in Washington, and if your elected officials are in the middle of the political controversy, it may, understandably, be prudent to wait until the dust settles (hopefully soon). If you are unsure about whether the timing is right to engage, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
    [post_title] => What the Surprises from Congress Mean for Arts Advocates
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    [post_date] => 2023-09-06 14:38:36
    [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-06 19:38:36
    [post_content] => This first week of September, Congress returns to D.C. after a lengthy summer recess. Greeting members upon their return is a stark reality: they have less than a month to negotiate a fiscal year 2024 spending package in order to avert a government shutdown. As of this writing, the likelihood of a government shutdown seems quite possible, especially because members of the Republican-controlled House and the Democrat-controlled Senate seem far apart on funding levels, and because of the insistence by some House Republicans that the bill include policy provisions related to social issues that are strongly opposed by Democrats.

A perfect example of the distance between the two chambers is the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Since assuming control of the House in November, Republicans there have emphasized the need to reduce federal domestic spending, and have passed a budget for the NEA that would lower funding from its current level of $207 million to $186.3 million (a reduction of 10%). The Senate, meanwhile, passed on a large bipartisan basis a funding bill that would maintain level spending for the NEA next year. This discrepancy repeats itself numerous times across all federal agencies and puts members of both parties on a collision course. If they cannot resolve their differences, and quickly, a shutdown of some period of time will follow.

Complicating matters is that the White House is also asking Congress to pass what is known as a supplemental appropriations bill, providing more than $40 billion for natural-disaster relief and the war in Ukraine. Many Republicans have expressed a desire to end, or at least ramp down, the U.S. contribution to the war effort in Ukraine; even if a deal can be made, it will take time and attention from the work necessary to pass a traditional spending package.

While arts advocates cannot reconcile these significant disagreements, we certainly can do our part to help members of Congress from both parties understand why the proposal to reduce funding for the NEA by 10% is so harmful, and why we instead fully endorse and support the bipartisan figure approved in the Senate of $207 million. Therefore, if you haven't done so, now is a great time to contact your members of Congress and urge that they support maintaining level funding for the NEA. In doing so, talk about the important programing your organization is leading at the moment, and how implementing the proposed funding reductions will impact their constituents. Remind them that 40% of all grant dollars allocated to the NEA go to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations, and that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that strengthens every city, town and rural community nationwide. In challenging moments like this one, members of Congress need to have tangible information about the impact these cuts will have so that they can effectively push for the highest level of funding possible.

If you have already contacted your member of Congress, I want to thank you for taking the time to do so. There is no doubt that this direct outreach is the best way to try to shape the NEA's budget moving forward.
    [post_title] => Government Shutdown Looms: Rally for Arts Funding
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    [post_date] => 2023-07-05 15:03:47
    [post_date_gmt] => 2023-07-05 20:03:47
    [post_content] => As Congress settles in for the July 4th holiday this week, major questions and uncertainty continue to swirl regarding the pathway forward for federal funding for all domestic spending programs. The agreement reached last month to suspend the debt limit put in place spending levels for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. While that agreement was supposed to lead to a somewhat seamless appropriations process, already there is evidence of fracturing, as initial budget proposals released by the House appropriations committees have come in well under the agreed-upon figures.

When Congress returns to session next week, it will face increasing scrutiny and pressure to reach an agreement. Already, both the House and Senate are significantly behind schedule if there is any hope of passing a budget before the current fiscal year ends. The growing discord between the House and Senate over whether to adhere to the budget agreement is expected to intensify, and could put Congress and President Biden on a course for a significant standoff in September. The best outcome at this point appears to be the passage of a short-term continuing resolution, which would extend current funding levels until a longer-term agreement can be reached.

At NASAA, we continue to engage members of Congress from both parties to urge support for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and other arts programs. In this unquestionably difficult environment, we still get feedback from the offices with whom we meet that staying in touch, and continuing to express the value and return on investment the government yields from supporting the arts, are important contributions to the appropriations process. These actions provide our champions on Capitol Hill with the information and context they need to fight for the highest possible funding level for the NEA.

Therefore, this is an excellent time to touch base with your members of Congress to urge that they support the Arts Endowment. In addition, I want to flag that the annual August recess, when members of Congress spend almost all of the month away from D.C. and in their home states, is an ideal time to invite them to visit your offices or attend a particular program or event you are supporting. Use this opportunity to help draw the direct line from NEA funding to their local community. Despite our continual emphasis, it is still not widely understood or appreciated that, due to the federal-state partnership, 40% of all grant funding allocated to the NEA is rerouted to state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations, supporting grants in every congressional district. These in-person visits are a great way to drive this point home.

If you have any questions about how to go about setting up such a visit, please do not hesitate to contact me or anyone at NASAA. We are here to help you think through the best way to make a strong connection this summer!
    [post_title] => Connect with Congress This Summer
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    [post_date] => 2023-06-07 08:17:04
    [post_date_gmt] => 2023-06-07 13:17:04
    [post_content] => Last week, after many of months of negotiation, President Biden and Congress were able to avoid an economic catastrophe by coming to an agreement to suspend the nation's borrowing limit until January 2025. In making the deal, President Biden is now able to remove any doubt about the debt ceiling until after his first term. To agree to this, congressional Republicans were able to secure a number of concessions from the President, including an agreement to reduce domestic discretionary spending in fiscal year 2024 and to limit discretionary spending to one percent growth in FY2025. The package also imposes new work requirements for social welfare programs, claws back funding for the Internal Revenue Service and ends the President's moratorium on student loan payments.

What this agreement means for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and other arts programs is not entirely clear, other than that these initiatives will be under even more scrutiny than before. This is because, while the agreement puts budget caps in place for the next two years, the deal does not set allocations for specific agencies—and so the House and Senate appropriations committees are already hard at work modifying the FY2024 bills to meet the agreed-upon terms.

All this portends that we as arts advocates are facing a very difficult test over the next few months. Congress is mandated to reduce domestic spending, and the Arts Endowment is certainly not immune. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to take the opportunity now to urge your congressional delegation to at least maintain level funding for the NEA for the coming year. In doing so, keep in mind that many of the offices you will be speaking with are likely just as concerned by the limitations that have been put in place as we are. We can offer them solid data and information about how pivotal federal support has been for local and state arts efforts. Describing how NEA funding has directly benefited their community is one of the most impactful ways you can provide staff and members of Congress with the information they need to protect the NEA in this challenging time.

While we don't know the specific timing, we expect the House Appropriations Committee to try to move as early as this month, so touching base as soon as possible will be helpful. As always, we at NASAA are grateful for your help in these key moments. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any specific questions.
    [post_title] => NEA Budget Uncertain after Debt Ceiling Deal
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    [post_modified] => 2023-07-06 14:21:37
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    [post_date] => 2023-05-01 16:26:04
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    [post_content] => As you know, in March President Biden signaled his support for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) when he proposed increasing the agency's appropriation for fiscal year 2024 to $211 million. This step was significant in two respects. First, the continued support for the arts is important, and second, the submission of the President's budget request is the first step in setting the budget for all federal agencies this year.

Since that time, the House Appropriations Committee has been working at a busy pace to try to complete work on all 12 appropriations bills. Just last week, it held hearings to consider the budgets of seven agencies. While the NEA's proposed budget has not been released as of this writing, we certainly expect it to be made public soon. Speaker McCarthy has already made a commitment to ensure all 12 appropriations bills are passed this summer, which will require the committee and the House of Representatives to move quickly.

As I discussed in my April column, we expect the House's initial figure for the Arts Endowment to be a reduction in funding from its current level of $207 million. Therefore, as we wait for the bill's release, this is an ideal time to contact your members of Congress to urge them to support the President's budget request of $211 million.

Also complicating these negotiations is the pending standoff over the debt ceiling. Estimates vary slightly, but the Treasury Department expects that its authority to borrow will be fully exhausted in June. Thus far the President has been adamant that he will not negotiate spending levels in return for an increase in the debt limit, while Republican leadership has put forth a series of proposed cuts (including reducing funding for the NEA and other domestic agencies to FY2022 levels).

While the arts are not specifically being discussed in these negotiations, I raise the issue because it is important to understand the context in which the larger budget is being negotiated. Should this debate become even more contentious, it could seriously limit the ability of Congress to be able to pass any appropriations bills before the current fiscal year expires on September 30. Further, it is certainly possible that some sort of mandatory spending reduction could also be part of the final agreement.

While we as arts advocates have limited ability to influence the debt ceiling discussions, we can certainly use this period of time to educate members of Congress and their staff about how vital arts funding is to the well-being of our communities, and to urge them to do everything they can to ensure that the President's request ultimately becomes law.
    [post_title] => Debt Ceiling Negotiations Could Impact FY2024 NEA Funding
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    [post_modified] => 2023-06-08 09:27:59
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    [ID] => 14132
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    [post_date] => 2023-04-04 10:06:25
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    [post_content] => Last month, the Biden administration sent to Congress its fiscal year 2024 budget proposal, which included an increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) of $4 million, to $211 million. While not a binding document, the President's recommendations are taken seriously, and send an important message about the priorities of the administration for the coming year. The submission of the document is also considered the beginning of the appropriations process, and the House and Senate committees are already hard at work developing their bills for each federal agency.

While we won't know for sure until its budget bill is released, we continue to hear from supporters on Capitol Hill that the House of Representatives version will likely include a reduction in funding for the agency. We believe strongly that this proposed cut is not a statement about the views of either party in that chamber about the value of federal of funding for the arts, but rather a pragmatic measure based on the pressure members of that committee are under to introduce a bill that lowers domestic spending.

This pressure to lower overall domestic spending means that our work this year will be absolutely critical. We know that support for the National Endowment for the Arts remains strong and bipartisan, so it is incumbent upon us to provide these members with information about the value that comes from federal support for the agency. As soon as the House's legislation is released, we strongly urge you to contact your representatives in the House with these messages:

 	
Thank them for supporting increasing the NEA's budget this year.
 	
Urge them to oppose the House proposed figure, and instead to support the President's request of $211 million. In doing so, remind them that 40% of the NEA's grant funding is reallocated to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.
 	
Emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. (See Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation for additional talking points.)
 	
Provide a tangible example of how funding from the federal government has enabled your state arts agency to provide additional funding or programing for their community.

These points will be very helpful in providing members of Congress with supportive arguments they can use to urge their colleagues to maintain and possibly increase funding for the NEA next year. For our part, we continue to meet with members of Congress and staff as well, and are happy to be of assistance as you think about the best messages to share with your elected officials in Washington.
    [post_title] => Urge House Not to Reduce NEA FY2024 Funding
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    [post_modified] => 2024-04-03 15:59:50
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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_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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    [ID] => 13855
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    [post_date] => 2023-01-03 17:02:49
    [post_date_gmt] => 2023-01-03 22:02:49
    [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] => 2022-11-01 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] => 2022-09-13 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_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_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_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_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_date] => 2022-03-01 13:26:40
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    [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_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
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    [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
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    [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
    [post_date_gmt] => 2021-11-01 20:57:52
    [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_modified] => 2021-12-02 11:51:40
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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_modified] => 2021-08-05 12:29:40
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    [post_date] => 2021-06-02 19:35:25
    [post_date_gmt] => 2021-06-02 19:35:25
    [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 encourages the Endowment's 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_modified] => 2025-04-03 10:06:18
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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] => 2021-03-03 16:51:33
    [post_date_gmt] => 2021-03-03 16:51:33
    [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] => 2021-02-02 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] => 2020-12-01 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 M
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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] => 2020-09-02 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_date] => 2020-07-08 13:10:37
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    [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_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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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_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] => 2020-03-02 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] => 2020-02-06 12:02:24
    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-02-06 12:02:24
    [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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    [ID] => 10351
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    [post_date] => 2020-01-06 21:28:31
    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-01-06 21:28:31
    [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] => 2019-12-02 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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    [ID] => 10019
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    [post_date] => 2019-08-05 21:27:50
    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-08-05 21:27:50
    [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] => 2019-07-09 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
    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-05 20:15:39
    [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] => 2019-04-29 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] => 2019-03-06 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] => 2019-02-05 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_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] => 2018-12-05 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
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-10-10 16:53:40
    [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] => 2018-09-11 17:09:58
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-11 17:09:58
    [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_date] => 2018-08-08 15:14:58
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    [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_modified] => 2018-09-12 19:10:21
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    [post_date] => 2018-07-10 15:48:36
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    [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_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] => 2018-05-02 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
    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-04-04 16:09:24
    [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] => 2018-03-09 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_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] => 2017-11-07 19:25:40
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    [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_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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    [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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WP_Post Object
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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] => 2017-04-05 02:07:54
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-04-05 02:07:54
    [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] => 2017-03-14 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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    [ID] => 913
    [post_author] => 2
    [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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