June 16, 2017

Congress Ramps Up Budget Process

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… read more

May 24, 2017

NASAA Testimony Urges Congress to Fund NEA

In written testimony sent to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, NASAA urges Congress to appropriate $155 million to the National Endowment for the Arts for federal FY2018.

May 23, 2017

President Releases Full 2018 Budget Request, Proposing NEA Elimination

This morning, the Trump administration released its complete budget request to Congress for fiscal year 2018. As expected, the President is calling for the elimination of more than a dozen federal agencies, including the National Endowment for Arts (NEA).* This is not a surprising development as the document is an expanded version of… read more

May 6, 2017

FY2017 Funding Set—On to '18

After months of often tense negotiations between Congress and the administration, and the very real possibility of a government shutdown, late last week Congress passed and the President signed a $1 trillion spending bill that will fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year (through September 30). The bipartisan agreement increases defense spending… read more

May 1, 2017

FY2017 Funding Agreement Announced

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 17:04 After Friday’s short-term extension to allow for further negotiations, congressional leaders announced that they have reached an agreement on a spending package to fund the federal government through the end of September (the remainder of fiscal year 2017). This agreement would avert a government shutdown later this week. The Consolidated Appropriations… read more

April 28, 2017

Congress Passes One-Week Funding Bill Averting Shutdown

With funding for the federal government set to expire at midnight, Congress quickly passed a short-term spending agreement today to keep the government open for another week. Negotiations on a larger funding bill for the remainder of the fiscal year are progressing, but congressional leadership and the White House ultimately agreed that a short-term continuing… read more

April 5, 2017

President Proposes FY2017 NEA Cut

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… read more

March 29, 2017

Remainder of NEA FY2017 Budget at Risk

March 28, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 17:02 On Friday, the White House issued a list of proposed budget reductions for the current federal fiscal year (FY2017). The Trump administration sent Congress a list of $18 billion in suggested cuts in order to make funds available for an immediate increase in national security spending.… read more

March 16, 2017

President Proposes Elimination of the NEA

March 15, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 17:01 This morning, President Trump submitted his administration’s first budget request to Congress.The proposal calls for an elimination of all funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in fiscal year 2018. If this budget is enacted, the elimination of the NEA would have dire consequences… read more

March 16, 2017

NASAA Statement on Proposed Elimination of the NEA

March 14, 2017

Awaiting Trump's Budget Request

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… read more

February 8, 2017

Facts: Arts and the White House

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… read more

May 5, 2017

FY2017 Funding Secured, with $2 Million NEA Increase

May 5, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 17:05 Today President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017, which NASAA told you about on Monday. This budget includes funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $149.8 million, a $2 million increase from the previous level, through September 30. This is great news for… read more

June 14, 2016

Senate Advances NEA Funding Bill

June 14, 2016 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 16:03 This morning, the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee advanced legislation funding several agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). That legislation recommends increasing funding for the NEA (currently at $148 million) by $500,000 for fiscal year 2017. The full Senate Appropriations Committee announced that it… read more

May 24, 2016

House Appropriations Committee Releases Draft Budget for NEA

May 24, 2016 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 16:02 This morning, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) budget, released its draft bill for fiscal year 2017 appropriations. Included within the bill is a proposed funding level of $149.85 million, an increase of $2 million over… read more

February 9, 2016

President's 2017 Budget Proposes Modest Increase for NEA

February 9, 2016 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 16:01 This morning, President Obama released his fiscal year 2017 budget proposal to Congress. This document, which is not binding, expresses the Obama administration’s policy priorities for the coming fiscal year and makes recommendations for agency funding levels. In his FY2017 budget proposal, the president is urging… read more

December 22, 2015

Congress Issues Report on NEA 2016 Budget

December 22, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:17 As indicated in last week’s Legislative Alert, the fiscal year 2016 federal budget bill recently signed into law appropriates $147,949,000 to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This represents a $1.9 million increase for the arts agency. As historically has been the case, 40% of the… read more

December 16, 2015

Congress Reaches Budget Deal, NEA to Receive Funding Increase

December 16, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:16 Late last night, House Speaker Paul Ryan announced that Congress had reached a deal with the Obama administration on legislation funding the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2016. The legislation calls for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to be funded at… read more

December 10, 2015

Obama Signs Education Bill

December 10, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:15 Today, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law. The law, which revises the No Child Left Behind Act enacted in 2001, provides states greater autonomy in setting school standards and curricula. It includes arts and music among subjects that comprise a “well-rounded education.” My… read more

December 1, 2015

Education Bill Close to Passage in Congress

December 1, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:14 After weeks of negotiations, House and Senate leaders announced Monday that they had reached an agreement on a framework for legislation that amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the nation’s preeminent law governing public schools. Should the legislation pass in both chambers of Congress as… read more

October 30, 2015

Congress, President Agree on Budget Bill; Spending Set for Two Years

October 30, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:13 With Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) set to retire at the end of the week, Republican congressional leadership and President Obama reached an agreement that would increase federal spending levels for domestic and defense programs over the next two years, while also suspending the… read more

September 30, 2015

Congress Passes CR to Fund Government for 10 Weeks

September 30, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:12 With funding for the federal government set to expire at midnight this evening, the House of Representatives passed legislation today that will keep government agencies funded and operating until December 11. The bill matches legislation passed in the Senate earlier this week and is expected to… read more

July 17, 2015

Senate Passes Education Reform Legislation, House Interior Bill Remains Stalled

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:11 July 17, 2015 Yesterday, the Senate passed with bipartisan support (81-17) the Every Child Achieves Act, which would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the nation’s most substantive federal law overseeing public education. The vote comes one week after the House of Representatives passed its own version of the bill,… read more

July 8, 2015

House Passes Education Reform Legislation

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:09 Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, by a vote of 218-213. The bill passed along party lines, with no Democrats supporting the measure. As we reported earlier, this bill represents the most significant progress made toward amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act since… read more

July 6, 2015

House and Senate Consider Arts Legislation This Week

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:08 When Congress returns to session Tuesday it is expected to consider several pieces of legislation that impact the arts. National Endowment for the Arts As we noted in an alert two weeks ago, the House of Representatives is expected to continue debating the Interior Appropriations Bill, which includes funding for… read more

June 18, 2015

NEA Appropriations Bills Advance, Negative Amendment Possible

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:07 This week, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees passed legislation funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fiscal year 2016. In both bills, the NEA’s current funding of $146 million is maintained. While NASAA and other arts organizations had been urging Congress to support the agency at… read more

June 9, 2015

NEA Draft Budget Released, Hearing Wednesday

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:06 This morning, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), released the agency’s draft budget for fiscal year 2016. The bill proposes funding for the NEA at $146,021,000. This number matches the agency’s current level. While that number… read more

April 14, 2015

Senate Committee Holds Hearing Today on Education Reform Bill

April 14, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:05 This afternoon, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will hold a markup of the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015, legislation aimed at amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the nation’s preeminent law governing public education. The law was last amended in 2001,… read more

March 24, 2015

House Letter Supports Increase in NEA Funding

March 24, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:04 The U.S. House of Representatives will soon begin formulating budgets for fiscal year 2016 for all federal agencies. To set the stage for consideration of arts funding levels, members of the Congressional Arts Caucus recently circulated a “dear colleague” letter urging an increase funding for the National Endowment… read more

March 23, 2015

Advocate for Federal Arts Funding

March 23, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:03 Tomorrow is Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., when arts advocates from around the country gather on Capitol Hill to urge support for the arts in federal policy. As a new legislative session begins this year, this is an excellent time to be making the case for robust… read more

March 18, 2015

SAAs & NASAA Urge Support for NEA at House Hearing

State Arts Agencies and NASAA Urge Support for NEA before House Appropriations Subommittee March 18, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:02 This morning, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, which has jurisdiction over the budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), held a public hearing to consider the… read more

February 2, 2015

President's FY2016 Budget Recommends Modest NEA Increase

February 2, 2015 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:01 This morning, the Obama administration sent Congress its budget proposal for fiscal year 2016. The document, which is not a formal legislative bill, serves as a blueprint for how the president would like to see Congress allocate federal funding in the upcoming fiscal year. It does… read more

December 14, 2014

Congress Passes Budget for Remainder of FY2015

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:11 December 14, 2014 The Senate voted late Saturday to approve a budget for most federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), for the remainder of fiscal year 2015. The Department of Homeland Security, the lone agency not receiving funding for the remainder of the fiscal year,… read more

July 15, 2014

House Committee Votes to Maintain Current Funding for NEA

House Committee Votes to Maintain Current Funding for NEA From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:10 July 15, 2014 In a somewhat surprising development, the House Appropriations Committee voted today to approve a budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at its current funding level, $146 million, for fiscal year 2015. The action comes… read more

July 8, 2014

House Committee Unveils NEA Budget, Plans Hearing for Wednesday

House Committee Unveils NEA Budget, Plans Hearing for Wednesday From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:09 July 8, 2014 This morning, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies released its draft budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fiscal year 2015. In the bill, the House proposes a figure of $138… read more

June 12, 2014

Senate Approves Jane Chu to Lead NEA

Legislative Alert: Senate Approves Jane Chu to Lead NEA From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:08 June 12, 2014 This afternoon, the U.S. Senate approved by voice vote the nomination of Dr. Jane Chu to lead the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The vote is welcome news to arts advocates, as the NEA has operated… read more

May 14, 2014

NEA Chair Nominee Approved by Senate Committee

NEA Chair Nominee Approved by Senate Committee From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:07 May 14, 2014 This morning, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee met to consider the nomination of Dr. Jane Chu to lead the National Endowment for the Arts. We are pleased to report that Dr. Chu’s nomination was approved… read more

April 25, 2014

NEA Nomination Advancing

NEA Nomination Advancing From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:06 April 25, 2014 NASAA has learned that on Monday, April 28, Dr. Jane Chu, president Obama’s selection to lead the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), will meet with key staff of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The HELP Committee has jurisdiction… read more

April 10, 2014

NASAA Testimony on FY2015 NEA Budget

April 3, 2014

Prominent Republican Proposes Privatizing the NEA

Prominent Republican Proposes Privatizing the NEA From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:05 April 3, 2014 On Tuesday, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2015. Like the president’s budget proposal, Representative Ryan’s budget, which he calls “The Pathway to Prosperity,” is not a formal legislative bill but rather… read more

March 4, 2014

President's FY2015 Budget Includes Level Funding for the NEA

President’s FY2015 Budget Includes Level Funding for the NEA From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:04 March 4, 2014 This morning, President Obama released his fiscal year 2015 budget proposal to Congress. The plan proposes increasing federal spending by more than $600 billion to fund key administration priorities, including universal preschool programs, the National Institutes of Health,… read more

February 13, 2014

President Intends to Nominate Chu to Lead NEA

President Intends to Nominate Chu to Lead NEA From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:03 February 13, 2014 Yesterday, the White House announced that President Obama intends to nominate Dr. Jane Chu, president and chief executive officer of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, to lead the National Endowment for the Arts… read more

January 17, 2014

Important Provisions in FY2014 Appropriations Bill

Important Provisions in FY2014 Appropriations Bill From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:02 January 17, 2014 Earlier this week, NASAA alerted you to the agreement reached to fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2014. This agreement includes an appropriation for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in the amount of $146.021 million. Last night,… read more

January 14, 2014

Budget for Remainder of FY2014 Appears Near

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:01 January 14, 2014 Budget for Remainder of FY2014 Appears Near With funding for the federal government set to expire tonight, budget leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate announced late Monday that they have reached a compromise on legislation that will fund the federal government for the remainder… read more

December 19, 2013

Senate Approves FY2014 Budget Framework

Senate Approves FY2014 Budget Framework From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:12 December 19, 2013 Yesterday afternoon, the Senate voted 64 to 36 to approve the bipartisan fiscal year 2014 budget agreement negotiated last week by House and Senate leaders. The measure, which passed overwhelmingly in the House last week, was supported in the Senate by… read more

December 13, 2013

House Passes Budget Framework; Senate to Consider Next Week

House Passes Budget Framework; Senate to Consider Next Week From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:11 December 13, 2013 Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly (332-94) to approve a framework that hopefully will prevent another government shutdown while providing some relief from the automatic spending reductions known as sequestration. The bill now goes to the… read more

November 7, 2013

Congress Toils over 2014 Budget after Federal Shutdown

Congress Toils over 2014 Budget after Federal Shutdown Isaac Brown On October 16, the federal government shutdown came to a close when leadership in the House of Representatives and the Senate were able to reach an agreement with President Obama. The deal provides funding for the federal government until January 15, while also providing some… read more

October 17, 2013

Legislative Alert: Congress Agrees on on Budget; Government Reopens

Congress Agrees to Three-Month Continuing Resolution; Federal Government Reopens From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:10 October 17, 2013 Yesterday, the House of Representatives and Senate agreed to, and passed, legislation reopening the federal government following a 16-day government shutdown. The measure, which passed in the Senate by a margin of 81 to 18, and by… read more

October 1, 2013

Federal Shutdown in Effect Today

October 1, 2013 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:09 Federal Shutdown in Effect Today At 12:01 this morning, October 1, federal fiscal year 2014 began without an appropriation of funding from Congress. As a result, a partial federal shutdown is now in effect. Most federal offices—including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)—are closed. The shutdown… read more

August 1, 2013

Legislation Cutting Funding for NEA Stalls

August 1, 2013 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:08 Legislation Cutting Funding for NEA Stalls With Congress scheduled to adjourn for the remainder of the summer tomorrow, Republican leadership in the House of Representatives announced today that it was delaying plans to hold a vote on the fiscal year 2014 Interior Appropriations bill because it… read more

July 22, 2013

House Subcommittee Proposes Cuts to NEA Funding

July 22, 2013 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:07 Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment (which has jurisdiction over the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts [NEA]) released its proposed budget for fiscal year 2014. While it was expected that the House would recommend a reduction in funding for the… read more

July 18, 2013

House to Vote on ESEA Bill

July 18, 2013 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:06 As you know, NASAA has been closely monitoring the efforts of members of both the House and Senate to pass legislation reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation’s preeminent federal education law, which expired in 2007. Recap: Arts Policy Priorities for ESEA Reauthorization… read more

July 12, 2013

Despite Stalled Congress, Measures Important to Arts Community Advance

Despite Stalled Congress, Measures Important to Arts Community Advance Isaac Brown With the first session of the 113th Congress more than midway through its term, I thought it would be useful to reflect on the year to date. In many respects, the 113th Congress began much like the 112th concluded: with members of Congress from… read more

June 13, 2013

Senate to Consider Immigration Bill Amendment Important to Arts Community

June 13, 2013 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:05 Senate to Consider Immigration Bill Amendment Important to Arts Community Yesterday, senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) announced that they were submitting their legislation, the Arts Require Timely Service (ARTS) Act, as an amendment to the immigration reform bill currently being debated in the… read more

June 6, 2013

Senate Democrats Introduce Education Reform Bill

June 6, 2013 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:04 Senate Democrats Introduce Education Reform Bill Committee Plans to Vote Next Week Yesterday, Senate Democrats introduced legislation reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA, P.L. 89-10). ESEA was enacted in 1965 and is the primary source of federal funding for K-12 public education. The law… read more

March 1, 2013

Sequestration's Effects on the NEA

March 1, 2013 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:03 Sequestration’s Effects on the NEA Later today, the federal government will begin a process of across-the-board cuts to federal domestic and defense spending known as sequestration. The reductions are mandatory and will be phased in over the remainder of federal fiscal year 2013. In a letter… read more

February 22, 2013

Federal Arts Education Policy Updates

February 22, 2013 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:02 Federal Arts Education Policy Updates I’m writing today with some congressional updates relating to federal arts education policy, as well as information on how you can help NASAA advance these efforts on behalf of all state arts agencies. Reauthorizing ESEA 2013 is the year that Congress… read more

January 2, 2013

The Fiscal Cliff Vote: Implications for Arts Funding

January 2, 2013 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:01 The Fiscal Cliff Vote: Implications for Arts Funding As you are no doubt aware, on January 1 and 2, a series of tax and policy changes was set to occur that was so potentially devastating to the economy that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke dubbed it the… read more

November 9, 2012

The Fiscal Cliff and State Arts Agencies

November 9, 2012 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 12:14 The Fiscal Cliff and State Arts Agencies Earlier this week, in a sweeping victory, President Barack Obama was elected to serve another four-year term. In our analysis below, we lay out what awaits Congress when it returns to session next week. Looking Ahead President Obama did… read more

September 25, 2012

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

September 25, 2012 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 12:13 Congress Passes Continuing Resolution through March 27, 2013; Sequestration (Mandatory Cuts) Still on Schedule for January 2, 2013 After a week of tense negotiations, in the early-morning hours Saturday the U.S. Senate passed a six-month spending bill, to take effect October 1. The legislation includes a… read more

June 28, 2012

House Committee Approves FY2013 Bill with Significant Reduction in Arts Funding

June 28, 2012 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 12:12 House Committee Approves FY2013 Bill with Significant Reduction in Arts Funding On June 28, the House Appropriations Committee passed the fiscal year 2013 Interior and Environment funding bill. The bill sets funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $132 million, a reduction of… read more

June 21, 2012

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

June 21, 2012 To: State Arts Agency Executive Directors and Chairs From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 11:12 House Appropriators Vote Cut in 2013 Arts Funding; Senate Panel Sets Slight Increase to Arts Education Budget The Interior Appropriations Subcommittee in the House of Representatives on June 20 approved the first draft of the fiscal year… read more

May 9, 2012

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

May 9, 2012 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 10:12 Take Action: Contact Your Representatives and Senators Urge NEA Funding at $155 Million for FY2013 2013 Appropriations Update: The House and Senate appropriations committees are beginning to draft legislation for funding across all agencies in the upcoming 2013 fiscal year. The budget allocations have been made to… read more

March 22, 2012

Contact Your Senators: Urge Support on Letter to Appropriators for NEA 2013 Increase

March 23, 2012 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 09:12 Contact Your Senators: Urge Support on Letter to Appropriators for NEA 2013 Increase Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) has circulated a letter—similar to a letter initiated last week in the House of Representatives by the Congressional Arts Caucus co-chairs—inviting his colleagues in the Senate to join him in… read more

March 12, 2012

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

March 12, 2012 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 08:12 Contact Your Representatives: Urge Support on Letter to Appropriations for NEA 2013 Increase Reps. Todd Platts (R-PA) and Louise Slaughter (D-NY), the bipartisan leadership of the Congressional Arts Caucus, have circulated a letter to their colleagues in the House of Representatives asking legislators to join… read more

February 17, 2012

NEA 2013 Budget Honors States' Role in Federal Arts Funding

NEA 2013 Budget Honors States’ Role in Federal Arts Funding February 17, 2012 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 07:12 The policy positions NASAA successfully impressed upon Congress last year are reflected in the Obama administration’s fiscal year 2013 budget request for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Last year, NASAA and state arts… read more

February 13, 2012

President's 2013 Budget Proposes NEA Fund Increase

President’s 2013 Budget Proposes NEA Fund Increase February 13, 2012 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 06:12 President Obama sent his fiscal year 2013 budget proposal to Congress today, requesting an increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) from the 2012 level of $146 million to $154.255 million. According to the… read more

February 10, 2012

Back to the Future: Congress Begins a New Legislative Session

January 31, 2012

Save Arts Transportation Funds: Contact Your Representatives

Save Arts Transportation Funds: Contact Your Representatives January 31, 2012 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 05:12 On Thursday, February 2, the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will consider new legislation—the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act—to reauthorize the federal transportation programs. Among the areas this bill will cover is the Transportation… read more

December 19, 2011

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

December 19, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 04:12 House and Senate Pass 2012 Funding, Restate 40% State Share On Saturday, December 17, the Senate passed by a vote of 67-32 the fiscal year 2012 appropriations legislation to carry federal funding through next September for the agencies that had been left without secure funding… read more

November 1, 2011

Senate Panel Approves Education Overhaul

November 1, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 02:12 Senate Panel Approves Education Overhaul The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee moved ahead on October 20 with the long-delayed reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in approving a bill cosponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), chair of the committee, and Sen.… read more

August 9, 2011

Debt Ceiling Deal Spells Deep Cuts in Discretionary Funds

DEBT CEILING DEAL SPELLS DEEP CUTS IN DISCRETIONARY FUNDS From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel August 9, 2011 Vol. 27:11 There can be little doubt about the result of the debt ceiling deal signed into law last week by President Obama. Discretionary spending will suffer mightily. President Obama has said that the deal will result… read more

July 29, 2011

House Votes against NEA Funding Cuts; Strong Comeback for Arts Advocacy

House Votes against NEA Funding Cuts; Strong Comeback for Arts Advocacy July 29, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 26:11 The vote in the House of Representatives on July 28 demonstrated a strong victory for arts advocates intent on gaining legislative support for federal arts funding. The amendment offered by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI),… read more

July 28, 2011

House Votes against Further Cuts to NEA Funds; Bill Sets FY2012 Arts Appropriation at $135M

House Votes against Further Cuts to NEA Funds; Bill Sets FY2012 Arts Appropriation at $135 Million July 27, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 25:11 Today, July 27, the U.S. House of Representatives, during consideration of the fiscal year 2012 Interior Appropriations Bill, defeated by a vote of 181-240 an amendment to take $10… read more

July 26, 2011

ACTION ALERT UPDATE--House Defeats Amendment to Eliminate NEA Funds; Continue to Ask Your Representatives on Wednesday to Vote to Defeat Further Cuts to NEA Budget

ACTION ALERT UPDATE House Defeats Amendment to Eliminate NEA Funds Continue to Ask Your Representatives on Wednesday to Vote to Defeat Further Cuts to NEA Budget July 26, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 24:11 Yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives defeated by a vote of 126-284 an amendment from the floor to eliminate funding… read more

July 25, 2011

ACTION ALERT EXTRA--Contact Your Representatives: Defeat Further Cuts to NEA Budget

July 25, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 23:11 ACTION ALERT EXTRA Contact Your Representatives: Defeat Further Cuts to NEA Budget This afternoon, the House of Representatives began debate on the fiscal year 2012 Interior Appropriations Bill with votes on amendments to the bill. Already, one amendment to cut funds for the National Endowment… read more

July 22, 2011

ACTION ALERT: Contact Your U.S. Representatives; Register Your Support for the NEA

July 22, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 22:11 ACTION ALERT Contact Your U.S. Representatives: Register Your Support for the NEA As early as next Monday evening, the full U.S. House of Representatives will begin votes on amendments to the fiscal year 2012 Interior Appropriations Bill, which includes funding for the National Endowment for… read more

July 13, 2011

House Appropriators Approve NEA at $135 Million in FY2012; Committee Honors 40% Share to States

House Appropriators Approve NEA at $135 Million in FY2012 Committee Honors 40% Share to States July 13, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 21:11 The House Appropriations Committee late last night (July 12) approved the fiscal year 2012 Interior Appropriations Bill drafted by the Interior Subcommittee last week, setting spending for the National Endowment… read more

July 8, 2011

Contact House Appropriators: Protect NEA Funds from Further Cuts

July 8, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 20:11 Contact House Appropriators: Protect NEA Funds from Further Cuts The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, July 12, to vote on the draft of the fiscal year 2012 Interior Appropriations Bill approved this week by the subcommittee. The bill sets spending for… read more

July 6, 2011

House Draft Bill to Set NEA Funds at $135 Million in 2012

House Draft Bill to Set NEA Funds at $135 Million in 2012 July 6, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 19:11 In advance of the scheduled markup session of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives set for July 7, documents have been posted with the draft fiscal year 2012 Interior… read more

June 24, 2011

House Set to Draft Arts Funding Bill; TAKE ACTION: Contact Your Representatives

House Set to Draft Arts Funding Bill TAKE ACTION: Contact Your Representatives Urge NEA Funding at $167.5 Million, Maintain 40% to States June 24, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 18:11 The Interior Appropriations Subcommittee in the House of Representatives is scheduled on July 6 to vote on the first draft of a spending bill… read more

May 27, 2011

House Panel Votes to Eliminate Arts Ed; Prospects Uncertain

House Panel Votes to Eliminate Arts Ed; Prospects Uncertain May 26, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 18:11 On Wednesday, May 25, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, with authorizing jurisdiction over the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), passed on a strict party-line vote a bill to eliminate the U.S. Department… read more

May 25, 2011

Take Action—Contact Your Representatives: Urge NEA Funding at $167.5 Million, Maintain 40% to States

TAKE ACTION Contact Your Representatives: Urge NEA Funding at $167.5 Million, Maintain 40% to States May 25, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 16:11 The House Appropriations Committee this week has begun drafting spending bills for fiscal year 2012. The Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, with responsibility for setting the funding for the National Endowment for… read more

May 23, 2011

Take Action: House Panel to Vote on Arts Ed Elimination

Take Action: House Panel to Vote on Arts Ed Elimination May 23, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 15:11 On Wednesday, May 25, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, with authorizing jurisdiction over the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), is expected to vote on legislation that would eliminate the U.S. Department… read more

May 11, 2011

NEA FY2012 Budget Questioned at House Hearing

May 11, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 14:11 NEA FY2012 Budget Questioned at House Hearing  On May 11, Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), chair of the House Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations, opened the hearing on the fiscal year 2012 budget proposed for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) with the warning that “intense… read more

April 12, 2011

Final 2011 Budget Bill Sets NEA Funds at $155 Million

April 12, 2011 To: State Arts Agency Executive Directors and Chairs From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 13:11 Final 2011 Budget Bill Sets NEA Funds at $155 Million The final budget agreement negotiated by President Obama with House and Senate Republican and Democratic leaders, H.R. 1473, is set to go to the House floor for… read more

March 31, 2011

Action Update: 2011 and 2012 Budget Issues

March 31, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 12:11 Action Update: Congress Nearing 2011 Budget Agreement; Attention Turning to 2012 Budget Issues 2011 Budget Talks The House and Senate Republican and Democratic leaders appear to be coming closer to a final agreement on funding for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. Federal agencies are… read more

March 7, 2011

Action Update: Senate Democrats' Bill Maintains NEA Funding Level

March 7, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 11:11 Action Update: Senate Democrats’ Bill Maintains NEA Funding Level The debate over the fiscal year 2011 federal budget continues. The Senate Appropriations Committee has released its version of the year-long continuing resolution (CR) proposing to hold funds for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at… read more

March 4, 2011

Take Action: FY2011 Spending Bill Eliminates Arts Ed; NEA Funds at Risk

March 4, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 10:11 TAKE ACTION: FY2011 Spending Bill Eliminates Arts Ed; NEA Funds at Risk The U.S. House and Senate this week passed another short-term continuing resolution for fiscal year 2011, signed into law by the president, to fund the federal government through March 18. The new funding bill… read more

March 1, 2011

Take Action: Urge Senators to Maintain NEA Funding

March 1, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 09:11 Take Action: Urge Senators to Maintain NEA Funding Update: Short-Term Continuing Resolution The U.S. House and Senate are preparing to pass a short-term continuing resolution to replace the current spending measure expiring March 4. The new funding bill, which is set to run until March 18,… read more

February 18, 2011

House Moves to Wrap up 2011 Funding Bill, Action Moves to Senate

February 18, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 08:11 House Moves to Wrap up 2011 Funding Bill, Action Moves to Senate The U.S. House of Representatives is working to finish with amendments and a final vote on H.R. 1, the continuing resolution for funding the 2011 fiscal year. Both the House and Senate plan… read more

February 17, 2011

House Takes up 2011 Funding Bill, Votes for Deeper Cuts in NEA

February 17, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 07:11 House Takes up 2011 Funding Bill, Votes for Deeper Cuts in NEA The House of Representatives today finished voting on a series of amendments offered during the course of debate on H.R. 1, the continuing resolution to fund the federal government for the remainder of… read more

February 16, 2011

URGENT—Take Action: Oppose Amendments to Further Cuts, Elimination of NEA 2011 Funding

February 16, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 06:11 URGENT—Take Action: Oppose Amendments to Further Cuts, Elimination of NEA 2011 Funding The House of Representatives today and tomorrow is debating the continuing resolution to fund the federal government for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. The bill on the House floor already reduces appropriations… read more

February 14, 2011

President's 2012 Budget Proposes NEA Fund Cut

February 14, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 05:11 President’s 2012 Budget Proposes NEA Fund Cut President Obama sent his fiscal year 2012 budget proposal to Congress today, with a cut in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) from the 2010 level of $167.5 million to $146.255 million. (Congress still has… read more

February 14, 2011

UPDATE—Take Action: New House Money Bill Would Cut $22 Million From NEA

February 14, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 04:11 UPDATE—Take Action: New House Money Bill Would Cut $22 Million From NEA Following a revolt last week within the Republican caucus, with a majority of its members refusing to support the plan developed by the House Appropriations Committee to cut some $41 billion in spending for the… read more

February 11, 2011

Take Action: House Votes Expected on 2011 Funds; House Appropriations Committee Struggles with Cuts, Lists NEA

February 11, 2011 To: State Arts Agency Executive Directors and Chairs From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 03:11 Take Action: House Votes Expected on 2011 Funds; House Appropriations Committee Struggles with Cuts, Lists NEA The chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Harold Rogers (R-KY), this week released a plan to cut some $41 billion in… read more

January 26, 2011

House Republican Caucus Group Proposes NEA Elimination

January 26, 2011 Vol. 02:11 From Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel House Republican Caucus Group Proposes NEA Elimination The House Republican Study Committee (RSC), the most fiscally conservative caucus in the House, has laid out a plan for $2.5 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade, mainly by holding 2011 funds at 2008 levels, and… read more

January 19, 2011

Take Action: Contact Your New Legislators in Congress; Urge Support for Federal Arts Funding

January 19, 2011 From: Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel Vol. 01:11 Take Action: Contact Your New Legislators in Congress Urge Support for Federal Arts Funding A new session of Congress begins this month, with dramatic changes in leadership and political control. Divided government has returned, and if either party is to succeed in the year ahead,… read more