NASAA provides national representation for state arts agencies, ensuring that their policy and resource interests have a persuasive voice in Washington. Federal updates, alerts and issue briefs keep NASAA members up to date and inform their ongoing contacts with in Congress. To subscribe to NASAA Legislative Alerts, contact Communications Manager Sue Struve.
2021

January 5, 2021
Congress Wraps a Busy Year with Big Fiscal Package
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…
2020


December 1, 2020
FY2021 Budget, COVID-19 Aid, Working with Next President and Congress
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…


November 3, 2020
With Election Results Pending, Outlook for 2021 Uncertain
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…

October 6, 2020
Federal Budget, Relief Negotiations Face Obstacles
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…


September 2, 2020
CR in Forecast as Congress Deals with COVID-19 Impasse
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…

August 3, 2020
House Approves Arts Funding Increase, Senate Action Expected in the Fall
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…


July 8, 2020
House Bill Proposes Arts Increase; Contact Your Senators
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…

June 2, 2020
Appropriations, Fiscal Budget, Economic Aid Compete for Congress's Attention
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…

May 7, 2020
Congress Considers How to Resume Business, Provide More Relief Funding
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…


April 7, 2020
Congress Eyes New Round of Disaster Relief Funding
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.…



March 2, 2020
President Trump Calls for Closure of National Endowment for the Arts
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,…
- 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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2020 Is Off to a Busy Start—Here's How You Can Help

February 6, 2020
2020 Is Off to a Busy Start—Here's How You Can Help
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…

January 6, 2020
Federal Arts Funding Success and Prospects
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…
2019


December 2, 2019
Congress Aims to Pass Funding Bills before Holiday Break
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…
- 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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Senate Approves NEA Funding

November 6, 2019
Senate Approves NEA Funding
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…

September 24, 2019
Senate Subcommittee Approves Increase in Funding for the Arts Endowment

August 5, 2019
As August Recess Begins, NEA FY2020 Budget Still Uncertain
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…

July 9, 2019
House Passes NEA Funding Increase
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,…

June 5, 2019
House Committee Approves Increase in Funding for the NEA
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…

April 29, 2019
NEA Increase: May Window Critical in Congress
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…

April 3, 2019
How to Get Buy-in for the NEA's FY2020 Budget
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…


March 6, 2019
Urge NEA Funding of $167.5 Million for FY2020
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…

- 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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Connect with Congress on NEA Funding

February 5, 2019
Connect with Congress on NEA Funding
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…


January 7, 2019
You Can Connect with Congress Despite Shutdown
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…
2018



December 5, 2018
Continuing Resolution May Continue…
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…

October 10, 2018
Congress Focuses on Midterms
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…


September 11, 2018
NEA FY2019 Increase Waits in the Wings
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,…

August 8, 2018
The Likelihood of an FY2019 NEA Funding Increase
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…

July 10, 2018
NEA Well-Positioned As Congress Progresses on Appropriations
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…

June 15, 2018
Congress Affirms Support for NEA
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…

- 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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Congress Gears Up for Appropriations Push

May 2, 2018
Congress Gears Up for Appropriations Push
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…

April 4, 2018
Congress Passes Funding Bill, Must Immediately Transition to Next Year's
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…


March 9, 2018
Arts Advocacy Opportunities
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…


January 22, 2018
Congress Agrees on Short-Term Funding Measure, Government Resumes Operations
January 22, 2018 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 18:02 After failing to reach an agreement last week, spurring a shutdown of the federal government, congressional leaders were able to pass legislation today extending federal funding until February 8. In return for voting in support of the bill, Democrats received an assurance from Republican leadership…
January 20, 2018 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 18:01As of 12:01 a.m. today, the federal government has no appropriation of funding from Congress. As a result, a partial federal government shutdown is now in effect. Most federal offices—including the National Endowment of Arts—are closed. The shutdown comes after weeks of negotiations between President Trump and congressional leaders. How long the shutdown will last is unclear at this time. Members of Congress are expected to negotiate throughout the weekend, and a vote can be called whenever an agreement is reached. NASAA will closely monitor this situation and make you aware of any developments. I am available to answer any questions you have, and can be reached at isaac@38northsolutions.com or 202-540-9162. |

January 20, 2018
Congress and President Unable to Agree on Funding Legislation, Shutdown Begins
January 20, 2018 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 18:01As of 12:01 a.m. today, the federal government has no appropriation of funding from Congress. As a result, a partial federal government shutdown is now in effect. Most federal offices—including the National Endowment of Arts—are closed. The shutdown comes after weeks of negotiations between President Trump…

January 3, 2018
Congress Has a Busy Year Ahead
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…
2017

December 8, 2017
Congress Approves Short-Term CR, Appropriations Negotiations Continue
December 8, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel With the deadline for federal funding set to expire today, the House and Senate last night reached an agreement on a short-term continuing resolution that keeps the government operating at current levels until December 22. As a result, the National Endowment for the Arts will continue to…
- Thank your Senator for the subcommittee's support for the NEA;
- Reference the federal-state partnership, which sends funding directly to your state;
- Use the opportunity to highlight a program or event funded by your state arts agency as an example of the value derived from federal investment in the arts.
While the timing and next steps are not entirely clear, we expect to learn more soon. Federal funding for fiscal year 2018 is set to expire on December 8th, so Congress will need to either move quickly or pass another short-term Continuing Resolution to keep government agencies operating.
NASAA will keep you updated and will advise you of next steps.
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Senate Subcommittee Recommends $150 Million for NEA

November 20, 2017
Senate Subcommittee Recommends $150 Million for NEA
November 20, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel This afternoon the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee released a draft bill containing a proposed budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fiscal year 2018. The bill recommends $150 million for the NEA, an amount matching the agency’s current funding levels. Today’s Senate bill recommends a higher…

November 7, 2017
Appropriations Process in Holding Pattern, Tax Reform on Agenda
Work in Congress on appropriations is taking a back seat to work on tax reform. Here’s where arts issues fit into the picture …

September 14, 2017
House Passes FY2018 Funding Bill
September 14, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel This afternoon, the House of Representatives approved legislation funding the federal government for fiscal year 2018. That legislation, which passed by a vote of 211-198, would fund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $145 million, a $5 million reduction from its current level. The House…

September 7, 2017
Congress Agrees on Spending Plan
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…

August 8, 2017
NEA Budget Approved in Committee, Awaits Further Action
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…
- Urge the senator to oppose the President's proposal to eliminate the NEA and ask that the agency be funded at $155 million, particularly if you think the member would be willing to entertain an increase in the current political environment. At the very least, urge the member to support the NEA's current funding level of $150 million.
- Request continued support for the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of the NEA's grant dollars to state and regional arts organizations.
- To support your request for an increase in funding in this difficult budget environment, discuss an interesting development or program at your agency and invite the senator and staff to participate when they are home.
Again, we at NASAA sincerely appreciate your attention and efforts to support the NEA at this critical time. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee
Republicans
- Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Chair
- Lamar Alexander (Tennessee)
- Roy Blunt (Missouri)
- John Hoeven (North Dakota)
- Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), Senate Majority Leader
- Steve Daines (Montana)
- Shelley Moore Capito (West Virginia)
Democrats
- Tom Udall (New Mexico)
- Dianne Feinstein (California)
- Patrick Leahy (Vermont)
- Jack Reed (Rhode Island)
- Jon Tester (Montana)
- Jeff Merkely (Oregon)
- Chris Van Hollen (Maryland)
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House Committee Advances NEA Budget

July 19, 2017
House Committee Advances NEA Budget
July 19, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the fiscal year 2018 budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $145 million. The legislation now awaits consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives, which could come any time between now and September…
- Thank the committee for rejecting the President's proposal to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts.
- Urge the member to support (at least) the NEA's current funding level of $150 million. (Acknowledge the arts community's $155 million request if you think the member would be willing to entertain an increase in this political environment.)
- Urge that the committee continue to support the federal-state partnership that allocates 40% of all NEA grant funds directly to state and regional arts organizations.
- Try to contextualize the proposed cut to the NEA by highlighting some of the recent projects and events you've undertaken at your state arts agency.
NASAA appreciates your willingness to contact members of Congress during this important time. We will continue to keep you updated as events unfold.
Below is the list of members of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee:
Republicans
Ken Calvert, California, Chairman
Mike Simpson, Idaho
Tom Cole, Oklahoma
David Joyce, Ohio
Chris Stewart, Utah, Vice Chair
Mark Amodei, Nevada
Evan Jenkins, West Virginia
Democrats
Betty McCollum, Minnesota, Ranking Member
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Derek Kilmer, Washington
Marcy Kaptur, Ohio
[post_title] => House Proposes NEA Funding Reduction
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House Proposes NEA Funding Reduction

July 11, 2017
House Proposes NEA Funding Reduction
July 11, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel This afternoon, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee released its draft budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fiscal year 2018. In its bill, the committee proposes funding the agency at $145 million, a reduction of $5 million from the agency’s current funding level. While…

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…

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 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…

May 1, 2017
FY2017 Funding Agreement Announced
May 1, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel Vol. 17:04 After Friday’s short-term extension to allow for further negotiations, congressional leaders announced that they have reached an agreement on a spending package to fund the federal government through the end of September (the remainder of fiscal year 2017). This agreement would avert a government shutdown later this week.…

April 28, 2017
Congress Passes One-Week Funding Bill Averting Shutdown
April 28, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel With funding for the federal government set to expire at midnight, Congress quickly passed a short-term spending agreement today to keep the government open for another week. Negotiations on a larger funding bill for the remainder of the fiscal year are progressing, but congressional leadership and the…
- 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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President Proposes FY2017 NEA Cut

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…

March 29, 2017
Remainder of NEA FY2017 Budget at Risk
March 28, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel On Friday, the White House issued a list of proposed budget reductions for the current federal fiscal year (FY2017). The Trump administration sent Congress a list of $18 billion in suggested cuts in order to make funds available for an immediate increase in national security spending. The White…

- Contact your House and Senate delegations. Urge them to oppose the President's request and provide full funding for the NEA.
- See if your state is represented on either the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee or the Senate Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. If so, your outreach to these committee members will be especially influential.
- Remind your delegation that 40% of the grant dollars appropriated to the NEA go to states and regions. These funds address state priorities. Rural and low-income areas would be disproportionally hurt by the elimination of the agency.
- Use your social media channels to propagate this legislative alert, Fact vs. Fiction: Government Arts Funding and Five Essential Arts Arguments.
A reminder about fiscal years: Recall that state Partnership Agreement funds from the NEA are typically committed in March and used in the following state fiscal year. So today's proposal to eliminate the NEA in federal FY2018 would affect most states' FY2019 activities.
As events unfold, NASAA will keep you up to date. In the meantime, please don't hesitate tocontact me if you have any questions.
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March 16, 2017
President Proposes Elimination of the NEA
March 15, 2017 From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel This morning, President Trump submitted his administration’s first budget request to Congress.The proposal calls for an elimination of all funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in fiscal year 2018. If this budget is enacted, the elimination of the NEA would have dire consequences for every…

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…
- 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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Facts: Arts and the White House

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…
2016
- Acknowledge that the committee, while reducing overall funding within the bill, did increase funding for the NEA.
- Then urge the senator to support increasing funding for the NEA to at least the $2 million figure supported by the president and the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Add, for context, that NASAA and other arts advocates are urging NEA funding at $155 million.
- Thank them for Congress's continued support of the federal-state partnership that directs 40% of all grant dollars appropriated to the NEA to state arts agencies (SAAs).
- Let them know what your agency is doing and how important NEA funding is to your operations.
As I mentioned when the House bill was introduced a few weeks ago, while NASAA supports the legislation as currently drafted, we greatly appreciate your outreach to these offices for at least two reasons. First, even in years where funding for the NEA is increased, members of Congress want to know what their constituents think. Second, in addition to approving the appropriations bill, the committee will approve a yet to be released committee report that accompanies the legislative text; this report sends directive language to the executive branch regarding how Congress believes the administration should spend the funds. It is in this text where support is usually expressed for the allocation of 40% of NEA program funds to SAAs, as well as other priorities for SAAs. Therefore, having committee members hear from state arts agencies and their supporters will only help us as that document is developed.
Thank you for your continued attention and efforts. It makes all the difference!
[post_title] => Senate Advances NEA Funding Bill
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Senate Advances NEA Funding Bill

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…

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…

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…
2015
- Congress affirms explicit support of the 40% allocation to state arts agencies.
- Congress praises the NEA's direct programmatic work in its Healing Arts Partnership program with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.
- The report urges state arts agencies to explore providing arts therapy programs to service members and their families at the local level. This is encouragement, not a requirement.
You may recall that NASAA's FY2016 action plan, approved by the membership in October, identifies arts and military programs as a key issue area. In the months ahead, NASAA will help your agency consider your options. We will identify and share models of state arts agency practices. We also will provide forums for the exchange of ideas, strategies and guidance on developing programs and partnerships at the state level. Stay tuned, and be sure to keep us apprised of your efforts on this front
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Congress Issues Report on NEA 2016 Budget

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…

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…

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…
- Funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is maintained, and arts and music education are explicitly identified as being eligible for funding.
- Also significant is that the programs currently supported by the Department of Education's Arts in Education fund would continue under the new legislation.
- The legislation encourages states to integrate "other academic subjects, including the arts, into STEM programs . . . ."
While timing for this legislation is uncertain, it appears likely that the House will vote on the legislation this week, with the Senate set to follow next week. NASAA will keep you updated as events unfold. We sincerely appreciate the efforts made to advance arts in education as this bill advanced. There is no question that the successes outlined above are a direct result of your hard work.
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Education Bill Close to Passage in Congress

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…
- Thank the committee for supporting the continued inclusion of the arts as a core academic subject.
- The bill, as currently drafted, does not explicitly include support for the arts in after-school programs. Urge your senator to support such a change.
- The bill, as currently drafted, does not include language referencing the Arts in Education Program at the Department of Education. Urge your member of Congress to support language allowing the agency to continue to administer a direct, nationally funded, competitive Arts in Education grant program that advances the capacity of the arts to strengthen learning and improve teaching.
The version of the Every Child Achieves Act under consideration today reflects changes that have been made since its introduction, through negotiations with the HELP Committee's top Democrat, Patty Murray (D-WA). Here is the revised Every Child Achieves Act. While it is difficult to predict how hearings like this will unfold, the fact that the bill now has the working efforts of the panel's leadership will make passage more likely.
It is important, if you are represented by a member of the HELP Committee, to urge the Senate to support arts education in the Every Child Achieves Act.
Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
Republicans by Rank
Lamar Alexander (TN)
Michael B. Enzi (WY)
Richard Burr (NC)
Johnny Isakson (GA)
Rand Paul (KY)
Susan Collins (ME)
Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Mark Kirk (IL)
Tim Scott (SC)
Orrin G. Hatch (UT)
Pat Roberts (KS)
Bill Cassidy, M.D. (LA)
Democrats by Rank
Patty Murray (WA)
Barbara A. Mikulski (MD)
Bernard Sanders (I) (VT)
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (PA)
Al Franken (MN)
Michael F. Bennet (CO)
Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)
Tammy Baldwin (WI)
Christopher S. Murphy (CT)
Elizabeth Warren (MA)
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Senate Committee Holds Hearing Today on Education Reform Bill

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…
2014
- The Arts in Education Program at the Department of Education received level funding of $25 million for the remainder of the fiscal year.
- The National Endowment for the Humanities received a funding level of $146 million, the same as FY2014.
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services received an increase of $1 million, to almost $228 million.
With the budget now resolved, Congress is expected to adjourn soon for the remainder of the year. When it returns in January, Republicans will assume control of the Senate and expand their majority in the House.
In my forthcoming NASAA Notes column, I will include information on the make-up of the new Congress and what we as arts advocates must do to prepare for the new year. In the meantime, feel free to contact me for more information at 202-540-9162, isaac@38northsolutions.com.
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Congress Passes Budget for Remainder of FY2015

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,…
- If you are represented by a member of the House Appropriations Committee (identified below), please call or e-mail their office to thank them for their vote to restore funding for the NEA.
- If you are not represented by a member of the committee, it would still be tremendously helpful if you could reach out to your member of Congress and urge them to support the NEA's funding at $146 million when the bill goes to the floor.
It is important to note that this development could not have happened without the tremendous outreach conducted by NASAA members, as well as the considerable efforts of arts advocacy organizations. It is a demonstration of the significant impact we have as a community when joining together to work positively with Congress. A special thank-you to Ken Calvert (R-CA), the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee chair, and Jim Moran (D-VA), the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, whose leadership was critical.
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact me at 202-540-9162, isaac@38northsolutions.com.
House Appropriations Committee
Republicans
Harold Rogers, Kentucky, chairman
Robert B. Aderholt, Alabama
Martha Roby, Alabama
Steve Womack, Arkansas
Ken Calvert, California
David Valadao, California
Ander Crenshaw, Florida
Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
Tom Rooney, Florida
Tom Graves, Georgia
Jack Kingston, Georgia
Michael K. Simpson, Idaho
Tom Latham, Iowa
Kevin Yoder, Kansas
Andy Harris, M.D., Maryland
Alan Nunnelee, Mississippi
Jeff Fortenberry, Nebraska
Mark Amodei, Nevada
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, New Jersey
David Joyce, Ohio
Tom Cole, Oklahoma
Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Chuck Fleischmann, Tennessee
John R. Carter, Texas
John Abney Culberson, Texas
Kay Granger, Texas
Chris Stewart, Utah
Frank R. Wolf, Virginia
Jaime Herrera Beutler, Washington
Democrats
Ed Pastor, Arizona
Sam Farr, California
Michael M. Honda, California
Barbara Lee, California
Lucille Roybal-Allard, California
Adam B. Schiff, California
Rosa L. DeLauro, Connecticut
Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Georgia
Mike Quigley, Illinois
Peter J. Visclosky, Indiana
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Betty McCollum, Minnesota
Nita M. Lowey, New York
Bill Owens, New York
José E. Serrano, New York
David E. Price, North Carolina
Marcy Kaptur, Ohio
Tim Ryan, Ohio
Chaka Fattah, Pennsylvania
Henry Cuellar, Texas
James P. Moran, Virginia
[post_title] => House Committee Votes to Maintain Current Funding for NEA
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House Committee Votes to Maintain Current Funding for NEA

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…
A NASAA web seminar taking place March 18, Federal Budget Briefing, will inform members about details of the president's FY2015 proposal and will outline other federal issues relevant to the arts. Look for today's e-mail invitation or register now. [post_title] => President's FY2015 Budget Includes Level Funding for the NEA [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => presidents-fy2015-budget-includes-level-funding-nea [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-04-19 11:17:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-04-19 11:17:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://nasaa.topshelfdesign.net/?post_type=legislative_update&p=2987 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => legislative_update [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) President's FY2015 Budget Includes Level Funding for the NEA

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,…

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…

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,…

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…
2013

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…

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…
Congress Toils over 2014 Budget after Federal Shutdown |
Isaac Brown |


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…

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…

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…

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…

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…
- Continuation of the arts as a "core academic subject" on par with other academic disciplines
- Explicit inclusion of the arts in the language governing how Title I funds are used
- Insertion of the arts and design into language identifying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education as a priority
New Developments in the House
Soon, the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 5, the Student Success Act. The Student Success Act would authorize federal education programs and funding for five years (fiscal years 2014-2019). H.R. 5, which passed out of the House Education and Workforce Committee on a party-line vote last month (all Republicans on the Committee voted in favor; Democrats uniformly opposed), is expected to pass when it is considered by the House of Representatives later this week, despite strong opposition from House Democrats and a veto threat from President Obama. Their opposition stems from the fact that the legislation significantly reduces the role of the U.S. Department of Education in setting and maintaining standards for public schools by redirecting this authority to state education officials.
NASAA Neutral on H.R. 5
NASAA recognizes and respects the fact that our membership represents a range of political viewpoints on state prerogatives and other issues. NASAA is taking a neutral position on H.R. 5 for the following reasons:
- While the Student Success Act does not expand opportunities for arts education programs, neither does it contain any restrictions on existing opportunities. As such, we don't view H.R. 5 as a productive target for opposition advocacy at this time.
- As we have noted in previous Legislative Alerts, the Senate has introduced and is considering legislation that embraces our policy priorities for the arts. It would be beneficial for the Senate's version of ESEA reauthorization to receive full consideration through a House and Senate conference process. However, without passage of H.R. 5 in the House, no conference process can occur, making it unlikely that ESEA reform of any kind would be considered this year.
- By refraining from joining the divisive debate that surrounds H.R. 5, we hope to be viewed by members of Congress from both parties as an honest, bipartisan stakeholder when the final text of this legislation is negotiated. We believe that taking this approach will put NASAA and its members in the best position to advocate effectively for our policy positions.
Expect an Alternative Bill
During debate of H.R. 5, Representative George Miller (D-CA), the ranking member of the Education and Workforce Committee, is expected to offer substitute legislation as an amendment to the bill. There are many provisions within this substitute amendment that we as arts advocates are very excited about, including:
- Identifying the arts as a core academic subject, eligible for Title I funding
- Ensuring that arts education programs receive a dedicated source of funding under the well-rounded students program
- Including art and design in the definition of STEM program activities
This proposal represents an important affirmation for arts education policy. That is why, last month, NASAA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Katz wrote to Representative Miller to applaud the inclusion of these provisions in the amendment, and we look forward to working with Representative Miller to promote these policies as the ESEA reauthorization process proceeds. However, like H.R. 5, the Miller proposal takes positions viewed as partisan on education policy issues that are unrelated to arts education, such as teacher evaluation. NASAA, many of our members and many of our colleagues must set our sights on the conference committee process as the mechanism most likely to achieve our desired policy outcomes.
Again, we appreciate the sensitive nature of this issue and look forward to continuing to work with our membership to advance legislation in Congress that promotes arts education programs and the arts generally. In addition to monitoring the Student Success Act, NASAA is pleased to inform you that last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee moved forward a recommendation for $27 million in FY2014 funding for the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education. We will provide more information about this legislation in our next communication.
As the House continues to work on these issues, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments or suggestions.
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House to Vote on ESEA Bill

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…
Despite Stalled Congress, Measures Important to Arts Community Advance |
Isaac Brown |

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

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…

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…

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…
- Direct grant allocations will be reduced by 3.2%.
- Partnership funds to state arts agencies and regions will be reduced by 2.7%. (The NEA is able to mitigate the effect of sequestration on states by applying funds that were de-obligated in the prior year.)
The NEA has confirmed that sequestration reductions will apply only to state arts agency grants awarded in the federal FY2013 funding cycle. Cuts will not be applied retroactively. This means that state arts agencies should expect reductions to their NEA FY2013 Partnership Agreements, used by most states to support their FY2014 activities. Current (NEA FY2012/state FY2013) Partnership Agreements will not be affected.
Unfortunately, the implementation of sequestration does not mean that budget uncertainty is fully resolved for the remainder of the year. No official FY2013 budget was ever passed, and the federal government currently is running on an interim "continuing resolution" authorizing agencies to spend funds at FY2012 levels (minus the amounts now mandated by sequestration). This continuing resolution expires on March 27, and Washington is bracing itself for another budget battle. I will elaborate on the forthcoming budget debates and other relevant news in my column in the March issue of NASAA Notes.
[post_title] => Sequestration's Effects on the NEA
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Sequestration's Effects on the NEA

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…
- the arts are named as core academic subjects for all students,
- Title I provisions allow for the inclusion of arts activities in underserved schools,
- the U.S. Department of Education continues its programs promoting successful arts education models, and
- other federal agencies supporting educational programs—especially those emphasizing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)—include the arts in their definitions and policies.
New STEAM Caucus
The new congressional STEAM Caucus, led by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Aaron Schock (R-IL), has begun its work. NASAA represented state arts agencies by attending this new group's kickoff briefing, held on Capitol Hill on Thursday, February 14. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is playing a leadership role in the operation of this caucus, and RISD President John Maeda addressed this gathering. NASAA CEO Jonathan Katz personally greeted and thanked each member of Congress who attended on behalf of their state arts agency.
The long-term goals of this caucus are to advocate for policy changes encouraging educators and federal agencies to integrate the arts and design with STEM education. In addition to cochairs Bonamici and Schock, the membership of the caucus currently includes Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI), Jared Polis (D-CO), David Cicilline (D-RI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH).
H.R. 51 Still in Committee
On February 4, Rep. Langevin introduced House Resolution 51, asserting the importance of the arts and design as part of federal education policy. H.R. 51 was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. While passage of this resolution at this time is unlikely, it is still quite useful to advocates because its language frames the value of arts and design education in compelling economic and educational terms. In addition, it can serve as a valuable organizing tool, providing members of Congress the opportunity to go on record as supporting inclusion of arts education in STEM programs. Check out the full text of the bill here.
What You Can Do
- If representatives from your state have stepped forward to be part of the STEAM caucus, contact those offices and thank them for their participation and their acknowledgement of the importance of arts education as an educational and economic asset. You may also wish to encourage other members of your House delegation to participate in this caucus.
- See if your state is represented on the House Committee on Education and the Workforceor the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. If so, contact these members and convey your support of H.R. 51.
- It's not too early to begin organizing your information resources in preparation for ESEA reauthorization. Although no legislation is pending currently, when action does commence it will be valuable for you to be able to share arts education success stories from your own state, especially examples that illustrate positive student outcomes from school improvement efforts that include the arts. NASAA encourages you to start gathering those examples now and to familiarize yourself with how your state is represented on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee. Establish communication and build critical relationships now, so they will be in place when specific action is needed.
NASAA will keep you apprised of new developments and calls to action as the work of the 113th Congress unfolds. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.
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Federal Arts Education Policy Updates

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…

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…
2012
- Sequestration, a provision in the Budget Control Act of 2011, which will require across-the-board cuts totaling $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years
- Expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, often referred to as the "Bush tax cuts" ($281 billion)
- Expiration of payroll tax deduction ($115 billion)
- Tax extenders—including the charitable deduction for donations ($75 billion)
- Alternative minimum tax expansion ($40 billion)
- Unemployment insurance expiration ($34 billion)
- Expiration of Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians ($14 billion)
Despite this accelerated timeline, both Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid offered sharply different interpretations of Tuesday's elections and what they mean for taxes and deficits, underscoring the significant barriers to finding common ground. Speaking shortly after Democratic control of the Senate had been assured, Reid said that he wants to increase revenue into the federal government by raising taxes on the wealthy. Boehner, on the other hand, said he is willing to raise revenue, but only by eliminating tax loopholes and not by raising rates. The comments by both are not surprising, particularly since negotiations haven't even begun yet, but aides from both sides say privately that if progress is not made in the next few weeks, it will make reaching a compromise very difficult.
Implications for the Arts
Because Congress is still trying to establish how it will deal with the fiscal cliff, state arts agencies must prepare for various scenarios.
The least desirable outcome would be for Congress to not reach an agreement and for the sequester to begin. Should the sequester be triggered, federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), will have to reduce spending by 8.2% for fiscal year 2013. This scenario would reduce Partnership Agreement funds available to state arts agencies drawn from the NEA's FY2013 budget to support states' FY2014 activities. (See http://www.nea.gov/manageaward/State-and-Regional-Handbook.pdf for more information on NEA funding and reporting cycles.)
However, leaders from both parties have already stated that they view the enactment of the sequester as devastating for the economy, so there is clearly an incentive on both sides of the aisle to try to reach an agreement. It is too early to know exactly what a compromise might entail, but we expect it to include substantial cuts in discretionary domestic spending, coupled with an increase in tax rates, at least on high-income earners, as well as the elimination of some tax deductions (though I think the charitable deduction will be spared). Should this scenario play out, a cut to NEA funding is likely, though it is far too early to speculate as to extent.
Another possibility is that members of Congress are able to agree only that they need more time, and rather than allowing sequestration to begin, they pass legislation delaying the start of the process. Doing this would allow newly elected members to be sworn in and would allow the president to name his cabinet appointments for the next term. It is widely believed that several key agency heads, including Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, will announce their resignations shortly, and other cabinet officers may decide to step down as well. Since it is the agency heads that will be charged with implementing the cuts, the president may ask for more time to ensure that this process is done as smoothly as possible.
In addition to dealing with the sequester in the short term, what Congress decides will have a significant impact on the FY2014 budget process. If Congress is still dealing with the sequester next year, it is very likely it would not have the time to conduct a normal budget process and would pass another short-term funding bill when current funding expires in March. In that event, the involvement of the House and Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittees—which typically have purview over NEA budget recommendations—is difficult to predict. So during the winter it will be important for arts advocates to be in good contact with not only committee leadership but also overall party leadership on both sides of the aisle to emphasize the return on investment that Congress and the states receive from the arts.
Leadership Elections
When Congress returns to session next week, House Republican leadership will hold its elections. Given the successful retention of its majority, it is unlikely that we will see a major shake-up in Republican leadership. John Boehner will, once again, lead the chamber, with the rest of his leadership team remaining intact.
Things are less clear on the Democratic side of the aisle. Nancy Pelosi, currently the highest-ranking Democrat in the House, has chosen to postpone her caucus's election until after the Thanksgiving holiday. This has been interpreted by many to indicate that she is strongly considering stepping down from her post, and wants to give other Democrats the opportunity to wage a campaign for the top spot. If she does decide to step down, Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the second-ranking Democrat in the House, will certainly vie for the top post; but he and Pelosi have never been close allies, and it is quite possible that Pelosi will support the candidacy of one of her top lieutenants for the job.
With the retirement of Representative Todd Platz (R-PA), leadership of the Congressional Arts Caucus also will change. Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) will remain the Democratic cochair of the Caucus, and it is incumbent upon her to invite a Republican colleague to fill Platz's position. If you know of Republican House members who would make a strong leader for this Caucus, please let us know.
While this memo focuses on near-term issues, know that NASAA is laying the groundwork for long-term work with the new Congress over the next year. In addition to advocating for NEA resources, we'll be looking at policy opportunities in education and other realms that affect the work of state arts agencies and their constituents. Look for more information from NASAA on those subjects in the months ahead.
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The Fiscal Cliff and State Arts Agencies

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…

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…

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…

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…
- Urge your state's congressional delegation to support NEA funding for fiscal year 2013 at $155 million, the same funding level as in FY2011.
- Let your legislators know the importance of NEA funds to assist you in your work of expanding involvement in the arts and promoting cultural opportunities for the citizens of your state, particularly at a time when arts organizations are feeling the effects of the economic downturn.
Remind your legislators of the value of public support for the arts:
- The arts create jobs and produce tax revenue.
- The arts play a major role in revitalizing rural areas and inner cities. The arts attract businesses and industries.
- The arts promote cultural tourism.
- The arts encourage imagination and critical thinking that lead to success in school.
You may contact your senators and representatives by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Engage with your legislators at home:
Advocacy begins in your own community, so take some time to develop relationships and continue communicating with your senators and representatives throughout the year. When members of Congress are home, take advantage of the opportunity to invite them to see your community programs in action.
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Take Action: Contact Your Representatives and Senators; Urge NEA Funding at $155 Million for FY2013

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…

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

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…

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…

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…


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…
2011

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…
- retain arts education in the definition of a "core academic subject," ensuring eligibility for the use of federal funds locally on arts education objectives and activities;
- expand the meaning of "core academic subject" by incorporating the concept into—and thereby making the arts central to—additional federal education policies and programs within ESEA;
- create a new program called Extended Learning to provide competitive grants to school districts to extend their school day, specifying the arts and music as among the reasons for extending the time for learning;
- establish a competitive grant program with support for a broad range of subjects: arts, civics and government, economics, environmental education, financial literacy, foreign languages, geography, health education, history, physical education, and social studies, with an authorized funding level of $500 million. Currently, a similar set of programs is funded at a total of $265 million. The consolidated grant program was proposed by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and tracks a similar proposal in the Obama administration's 2012 budget;
- identify 10 programs of "National Significance" with a directive to the Department of Education to support "projects that encourage the involvement of persons with disabilities in the arts," presumably a reference to continuing support for VSA arts.
Harkin hopes to bring the bill to the Senate floor in December, where its prospects are uncertain. In the House, no substantive action has been taken on ESEA to mirror the bill adopted by the Senate committee.
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Senate Panel Approves Education Overhaul

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.…

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…

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),…
- The bill requires that 40% of all NEA program funds be allocated to the states, as first mandated by Congress in 1997. The administration's bill exempted funding for the Our Town initiative from the program grants; the House bill includes funds for Our Town in the program budget line.
- The bill requires the NEA to consult with the states regarding appropriate matching funds and eligibility for waiver of match prior to the development of guidelines and rules.
- The bill directs that funds to states for arts education not be reduced by a greater percentage than funding decreases applied to other NEA programs.
- The bill directs the NEA to maintain the current programs of Jazz Masters and Heritage Fellowships.
The Senate must act next. We do not expect action there until after Labor Day. We got what we advocated for in the House and we hope for the same in the Senate: that the Senate bill will mirror the House bill in addressing our policy concerns, but at a higher funding level. We will continue to engage our NASAA members with those legislators who are the influential and key decision makers on the bill. Thank you to all for your dedicated advocacy.
[post_title] => House Votes against Further Cuts to NEA Funds; Bill Sets FY2012 Arts Appropriation at $135M
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House Votes against Further Cuts to NEA Funds; Bill Sets FY2012 Arts Appropriation at $135M

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…
- In the 2011 appropriations, NEA funding was reduced by $12.5 million.
- The bill on the House floor has proposed a further reduction of $20 million in support for the arts in 2012, a 13% reduction from the current funding level of $155 million.
- The proposed cut in arts funding is nearly twice that of the overall spending cut for other federal programs in the bill.
- Funding to the NEA already has suffered substantial reductions.
- The cut proposed by the House is disproportionate to overall spending reductions.
- Vote to protect the NEA from further unwarranted and punishing cuts in funding.
- Vote no on any proposals to reduce spending below the $135 million proposed in the bill before the House.
- Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), chair of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, will oppose any amendment to cut NEA funds below the level in the bill.
As with the vote taken last night to eliminate NEA funding, we need the votes of representatives who in the past have supported NEA funding and opposed cuts in arts appropriations. Here again is the list of your state's Republican members of the House of Representatives who have been supportive in the past (and the three Democrats who voted in favor of the earlier Walberg amendment). All of the Republicans (and two of the Democrats) listed here voted yesterday to oppose the elimination of NEA funding. This was a great victory. We need their votes a second time!
You may reach your state's representatives by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Please circulate this alert to your advocacy networks. Many thanks for your help in this effort.
Alabama
Rep. Robert Aderholt
California
Rep. Brian Bilbray
Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D) – voted in favor of Walberg amendment earlier this year
Rep. Jim Costa (D) – voted in favor of Walberg amendment earlier this year
Rep. Mary Bono Mack
Florida
Rep. Vern Buchanan
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Idaho
Rep. Mike Simpson
Illinois
Rep. Judy Biggert
Rep. Robert Dold
Rep. Timothy Johnson
Rep. Aaron Schock
Rep. John Shimkus
Kentucky
Rep. Ed Whitfield
Louisiana
Rep. Rodney Alexander
Michigan
Rep. Thad McCotter
Rep. Mike Rogers
Rep. Fred Upton
Missouri
Rep. Joanne Emerson
Montana
Rep. Dennis Rehberg
Nebraska
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry
New Hampshire
Rep. Charles Bass
New Jersey
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen
Rep. Leonard Lance
Rep. Frank LoBiondo
Rep. Christopher Smith
New York
Rep. Christopher Gibson
Rep. Mike Grimm
Rep. Richard Hanna
Ohio
Rep. Steven LaTourette
Rep. Steve Stivers
Rep. Patrick Tiberi
Rep. Michael Turner
Oklahoma
Rep. Frank Lucas
Rep. Dan Boren (D) – voted in favor of Walberg amendment earlier this year
Oregon
Rep. Greg Walden
Pennsylvania
Rep. Charles Dent
Rep. Jim Gerlach
Rep. Patrick Meehan
Rep. Tim Murphy
Rep. Todd Platts
Virginia
Rep. Frank Wolf
Washington
Rep. David Reichert
West Virginia
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito
Rep. David McKinley
[post_title] => 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
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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
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…
- In the 2011 appropriations, NEA funding was reduced by $12.5 million.
- The bill on the House floor has proposed a further reduction of $20 million in support for the arts in 2012, a 13% reduction from the current funding level of $155 million.
- The proposed cut in arts funding is nearly twice that of the overall spending cut for other federal programs in the bill.
- Funding to the NEA already has suffered substantial reductions.
- The cut proposed by the House is disproportionate to overall spending reductions.
- Vote to protect the NEA from further unwarranted and punishing cuts in funding.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), chair of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee and floor manager for the bill, has pledged to oppose any amendments to cut NEA funds below the level in the bill. Reps. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Todd Platts (R-PA), cochairs of the Congressional Arts Caucus, and Jim Moran (D-VA), ranking minority member on the appropriations subcommittee, are also active in organizing opposition to further reductions in arts spending.
A letter signed by NASAA and a broad range of other national cultural organizations in support of the National Endowment for the Arts has been sent to members of the House of Representatives to bolster support for preventing further cuts to the arts spending as the appropriations bill is debated on the floor. The letter was developed and organized by NASAA and our colleagues in the Cultural Advocacy Group.
We need to count on the votes of representatives who in the past have supported NEA funding and opposed cuts in arts appropriations. Please make an effort to contact your state's Republican members of the House of Representatives who have been supportive in the past (and the three Democrats who voted in favor of the earlier Walberg amendment), listed below. We cannot succeed without their votes. Tell them to protect the NEA from further spending cuts and to vote no on any proposals to reduce spending below the $135 million proposed in the bill before the House.
You may reach your state's representatives by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Please circulate this alert to your advocacy networks. Many thanks for your help in this effort.
Alabama
Rep. Robert Aderholt
California
Rep. Brian Bilbray
Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D) – voted in favor of Walberg amendment earlier this year
Rep. Jim Costa (D) – voted in favor of Walberg amendment earlier this year
Rep. Mary Bono Mack
Florida
Rep. Vern Buchanan
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Idaho
Rep. Mike Simpson
Illinois
Rep. Judy Biggert
Rep. Robert Dold
Rep. Timothy Johnson
Rep. Aaron Schock
Rep. John Shimkus
Kentucky
Rep. Ed Whitfield
Louisiana
Rep. Rodney Alexander
Michigan
Rep. Thad McCotter
Rep. Mike Rogers
Rep. Fred Upton
Missouri
Rep. Joanne Emerson
Montana
Rep. Dennis Rehberg
Nebraska
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry
New Hampshire
Rep. Charles Bass
New Jersey
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen
Rep. Leonard Lance
Rep. Frank LoBiondo
Rep. Christopher Smith
New York
Rep. Christopher Gibson
Rep. Mike Grimm
Rep. Richard Hanna
Ohio
Rep. Steven LaTourette
Rep. Steve Stivers
Rep. Patrick Tiberi
Rep. Michael Turner
Oklahoma
Rep. Frank Lucas
Rep. Dan Boren (D) – voted in favor of Walberg amendment earlier this year
Oregon
Rep. Greg Walden
Pennsylvania
Rep. Charles Dent
Rep. Jim Gerlach
Rep. Patrick Meehan
Rep. Tim Murphy
Rep. Todd Platts
Virginia
Rep. Frank Wolf
Washington
Rep. David Reichert
West Virginia
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito
Rep. David McKinley
[post_title] => ACTION ALERT EXTRA--Contact Your Representatives: Defeat Further Cuts to NEA Budget
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ACTION ALERT EXTRA--Contact Your Representatives: Defeat Further Cuts to NEA Budget

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…
- Urge your representatives to set the NEA funding for 2012 at $167.5 million, the same funding level as in 2010.
- Stipulate that all program funds, including Our Town, be available as mandated for the 40% allocation to state arts agencies.
Maintaining the integrity of the 40% share for the states is extremely important for each state's ability to fulfill the federal mandate to expand access to the arts in every state. This provision does not affect the overall appropriation to the NEA.
Let your legislators know the importance of NEA funds to assist you in your work of expanding involvement in the arts and promoting cultural opportunities for the citizens of your state, particularly at a time when arts organizations are feeling the effects of the economic downturn.
Over the next week, please contact your state's representatives by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Members of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, listed here, will vote on July 6 on the first draft of the funding bill providing for the NEA in FY2012. Please make a special effort to ask advocates from your state to contact these legislators if your state's representative is listed here.
House Interior Subcommittee Members
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Chair
Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA)
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH)
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)
Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), Ranking Member
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN)
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)
Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY)
Please let me know if you have questions, and send me a note about the response you get from your contacts. Thank you for your interest and support in NASAA's advocacy action.
[post_title] => House Set to Draft Arts Funding Bill; TAKE ACTION: Contact Your Representatives
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House Set to Draft Arts Funding Bill; TAKE ACTION: Contact Your Representatives

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…

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…
- Urge your representatives to set the NEA funding for 2012 at $167.5 million, the same funding level as in 2010.
- Stipulate that all program funds, including Our Town, be available as mandated for the 40% allocation to state arts agencies.
Let your legislators know the importance of increasing funds to the NEA to assist you in your work of expanding involvement in the arts and promoting cultural opportunities for the citizens of your state, particularly at a time when arts organizations are feeling the effects of the economic downturn.
Over the next two weeks, please contact your state's representatives by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Members of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, listed here, have initial responsibility for drafting the funding bill providing for the NEA in 2012. Please make a special effort to ask advocates from your state to contact these legislators if your state's representative is listed here.
House Interior Subcommittee Members
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID,) Chair
Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA)
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH)
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)
Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), Ranking Member
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN)
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)
Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY)
Please let me know if you have questions, and send me a note about the response you get from your contacts. Thank you for your interest and support in NASAA's advocacy action.
[post_title] => Take Action—Contact Your Representatives: Urge NEA Funding at $167.5 Million, Maintain 40% to States
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Take Action—Contact Your Representatives: Urge NEA Funding at $167.5 Million, Maintain 40% to States

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…
- urge their vote against H.R. 1891;
- impress upon them the value of federal leadership in developing innovative approaches in arts education;
- remind them that the unintended consequences of the No Child Left Behind Act have diminished the presence of arts education in the classroom.
You may contact your representatives by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
House Committee on Education and the Workforce
Republicans
John Kline, Minnesota (Chairman)
Martha Roby, Alabama
Duncan D. Hunter, California
Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, California
Dennis Ross, Florida
Judy Biggert, Illinois
Larry Bucshon, Indiana
Todd Rokita, Indiana
Tim Walberg, Michigan
Joe Heck, Nevada
Richard Hanna, New York
Virginia Foxx, North Carolina
Lou Barletta, Pennsylvania
Mike Kelly, Pennsylvania
Todd Russell Platts, Pennsylvania
Glenn Thompson, Pennsylvania
Trey Gowdy, South Carolina
Joe Wilson, South Carolina
Kristi Noem, South Dakota
Scott DesJarlais, Tennessee
David P. Roe, Tennessee
Thomas E. Petri, Wisconsin
Democrats
George Miller, California (Ranking Member)
Raúl M. Grijalva, Arizona
Susan A. Davis, California
Lynn C. Woolsey, California
Mazie Hirono, Hawaii
Dave Loebsack, Iowa
John F. Tierney, Massachusetts
Dale E. Kildee, Michigan
Robert E. Andrews, New Jersey
Rush D. Holt, New Jersey
Donald M. Payne, New Jersey
Timothy H. Bishop, New York
Carolyn McCarthy, New York
Dennis J. Kucinich, Ohio
David Wu, Oregon
Rubén Hinojosa, Texas
Robert C. Scott, Virginia
[post_title] => Take Action: House Panel to Vote on Arts Ed Elimination
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Take Action: House Panel to Vote on Arts Ed Elimination

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…

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…

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…
- Restore FY2011 funding for the NEA to ensure that funding for the current year is not reduced to the level passed by the House, with its cut from the 2010 level of $167.5 million down to a proposed level of $124.4 million.
- Reinstate the $40 million in the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education, which provides vital federal leadership and funding that improves schools, teaching and student learning. Cuts to this program will take away funding for multiyear programs that are already in progress.
You may contact your senators by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
2012 NEA Budget Proposal
On April 6, NEA chair Rocco Landesman will testify before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to present the administration's budget request for fiscal year 2012. The budget would cut NEA funds from the 2010 level of $167.5 million to $146.255 million. In the current budget climate, some measure of reduced funding should be expected.
NASAA's advocacy is focused on keeping the arts endowment's funding at the highest possible level—to reject the president's funding request—and to focus congressional attention and action on a number of proposals in the budget that affect state arts agencies, some in a negative way. In meetings I have had with appropriations subcommittee staff, and contacts made by NASAA members from states that have legislators on the key committees, NASAA's position is clear: the NEA budget must maintain the congressional mandate that 40% of ALL of its program funds be allocated to the states and regions.
Your Advocacy
In communications with your senators and representatives on the 2012 budget, stress the value of the federal allocation of 40% of NEA program funds to the states and regions.
- It is through state arts agencies that the NEA is able to reach beyond its own direct grants into communities throughout the nation, extending the breadth and depth of support to every corner of every state.
- States help the NEA to achieve its goals and mandates—especially in the areas of arts education and reaching underserved constituencies.
- States extend the NEA's reach, impact and influence, especially to rural and underserved populations that the NEA can't reach.
- State arts funding gets dollars into every congressional district.
- A departure from the 40% mandate poses negative financial consequences for the states and compromises the capacity of state arts agencies to fulfill the federal mission.
NASAA will keep you informed and engaged in our advocacy effort as the 2012 budget process unfolds.
NASAA Positions on NEA 2012 Budget Proposal
Following are NASAA's positions on the issues raised by the FY2012 NEA budget proposal.
Allocation of Program Funds to States: The NEA budget requests that the $5 million that funds the Our Town initiative be exempt from its program funds in 2012. In 2011, funding for Our Town at $5 million is included in the total program funding. The proposal to exempt Our Town funding from the state allocation violates the current policy that was established consistent with congressional directives to allocate 40% of program funds to the state arts agencies. This budgetary shift in funding effectively reduces support to state arts agencies by $2 million. This shift from established policy is inconsistent with the NEA's own stated budget priority that "State funding will be adjusted commensurate with the overall program reduction." It is through state arts agencies that the NEA is able to reach beyond its own direct grants into communities throughout the nation. NASAA urges Congress to include any funding for the Our Town program with the program funds allocated as part of the full 40% share to state arts agencies.
Matching Requirements: The NEA is seeking statutory clarification regarding the state arts agencies' allowed matching requirements. The administration's intention is to "clarify that match must come from funds controlled and managed by the State and that funds from third parties not directly controlled and managed by the State are not eligible (such as subgrant match)." The proposed clarifying language would allow states to match with such funds as appropriated funds, donated funds and trust funds. Clarification of matching requirements is desirable provided some flexibility is provided to states during the short term. NASAA requests that Congress require the NEA to consult with the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and the state arts agencies about how to craft this language for the appropriate identification of eligible matching funds.
Match Waivers: The administration's 2012 budget document seeks permission from Congress to develop criteria on the "waive-of-match" provision for states and regions. The administration explains that while states may seek a waiver authority, it does not appear to be the intent of the NEA's authorizing legislation "to allow waiver of match in perpetuity," and guidance is desirable as to the circumstances around the ability of states and regions to seek a waiver of match. Again, NASAA requests that Congress require the NEA to consult with the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and the state arts agencies about how to develop these criteria for waiver of matching funds.
Poetry Out Loud: The NEA proposes to reduce funding to Poetry Out Loud, the national poetry recitation contest. The program was initiated by the NEA and made a national competition with cooperation of state arts agencies. NASAA requests that the NEA first seek other sponsors for this event before considering any reductions to state arts agencies. If any reduction is to be made in Poetry Out Loud, it should be proportional to the decrease in overall program funds. Poetry Out Loud is worthy of maintaining at its current budget level, but if the NEA should be cut, Poetry Out Loud grants to states should not be reduced by a percentage greater than the overall agency cut to program funds.
Arts in Education: Similarly, the NEA is proposing to reduce its support to state arts agencies for arts in education. Prior to the cuts in the NEA budget in the 1990s, the NEA invested $5 million for arts education. This amount has been reduced over the years to $1.7 million in FY2010. NASAA requests that any reduction in support for arts in education should be proportional to funding decreases taken in other NEA programs.
Heritage and Jazz Awards: The NEA proposes to replace national honors in folk/traditional arts and jazz with combined awards that address all art forms. The singular awards are vitally important to promoting the continued health of these efforts, which are typically outside the mainstream of the arts. NASAA supports the position to maintain the National Heritage Awards and Jazz Masters Awards. Many state arts agencies consider their folk and traditional arts programs to be among their highest priorities. Jazz has been called America's classical music, and is arguably America's most important original contribution to the arts.
[post_title] => Action Update: 2011 and 2012 Budget Issues
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Action Update: 2011 and 2012 Budget Issues

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…
- Restore FY2011 funding for the National Endowment for the Arts to ensure that NEA funding for the current year is not reduced to the level passed by the House, with its cut of funding from the 2010 level of $167.5 million down to a proposed level of $124.5 million.
- Reinstate the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education, which provides vital federal leadership and funding that improves schools, teaching, and student learning. Cuts to this program will take away funding for multiyear programs that are already in progress!
You may contact your senators by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
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Action Update: Senate Democrats' Bill Maintains NEA Funding Level

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…
- Restore FY2011 funding for the National Endowment for the Arts to ensure that NEA funding for the current year is not reduced to the level passed by the House, with its cut of funding from the 2010 level of $167.5 million down to a proposed level of $124.5 million.
- Reinstate the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education, which provides vital federal leadership and funding that improve schools, teaching and student learning. Cuts to this program will take away funding for multiyear programs that are already in progress!
You may contact your senators by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/ or by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Thank you for your advocacy and support of our efforts at NASAA to safeguard federal arts funds. Please let us know what you hear back from your contacts on Capitol Hill. Your partnership in our advocacy effort is key to our collective success.
[post_title] => Take Action: FY2011 Spending Bill Eliminates Arts Ed; NEA Funds at Risk
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Take Action: FY2011 Spending Bill Eliminates Arts Ed; NEA Funds at Risk

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…
- Remind your senators that 40% of NEA program funds go to state arts agencies. A cut to federal funding is a cut to dollars that support your state's cultural, economic and education policies.
- NEA funds help produce and maintain jobs in the creative sector, generate tax revenues and stimulate consumer spending for your state's economy.
- The magnitude of cuts proposed in the House-passed bill will mean cuts in access to arts programs for inner city, rural and underserved communities and for disabled and older people in your state.
- Cuts at the level passed by the House will diminish your agency's ability to support arts education and help facilitate children's success in school.
Thank you for your advocacy and your support of our efforts at NASAA to safeguard federal arts funds. Please let us know what you hear back from your contacts on Capitol Hill. Your partnership in our advocacy effort is key to our collective success.
Next Up: Fiscal Year 2012
Once Congress has finished with the continuing appropriations bill for 2011, legislators will turn their attention to President Obama's 2012 budget. The administration has proposed a cut in funds to the NEA to the level of $145 million. The Obama budget proposal will mean cuts in the partnership grants to state arts agencies and reductions in the arts education grants to states, along with funding decreases overall in the budget of the NEA. What's more, the administration's budget for the first time exempts a special initiative—Our Town—from program funds subject to the 40% share going to states. This proposal is unprecedented.
When you talk to your senators—and your representatives—remind them of the importance of the funds set aside for state arts agencies at 40% of all NEA program funds. Remind them that robust funding at the federal level enables you to do a better job of reaching more constituents in your state.
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Take Action: Urge Senators to Maintain NEA Funding

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,…
- Public funding for the arts is a sound investment in states and communities facing tough economic conditions.
- The arts generate jobs, tax revenues and consumer spending.
- NEA funds to state arts agencies are even more critical when a depressed economy is straining state budgets.
Even though the Senate will start work on its bill by February 28, it remains uncertain whether the final continuing resolution will be completed by the March 4 deadline, when the current continuing resolution expires. With the two chambers certain to differ significantly on funding levels, the task of reconciling the two bills into one is a complex assignment. Already, Democrats in leadership positions in the House and the Senate have said that they would not stand in the way of a shutdown of the federal government if the funding debate has not been resolved by March 4.
These NASAA resources can help you make the case:
Roll Call Votes on the Walberg Amendment
Earlier this week, the House passed by a close vote (217-209) an amendment to reduce FY2011 funding for the NEA by an additional $20.5 million from the level of $145 million set in the bill from the Appropriations Committee. Twenty-two Republicans joined all but three of the Democrats in voting against the cuts proposed in the amendment authored by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI). Among Republicans who voted to hold back cuts on arts funding were many of those that NASAA had targeted for special attention. Also in the Republican column were eight members of the new freshman class of legislators and two sophomores in their second term for whom we had no previous voting record.
The complete state-by-state roll call has been tabulated by our colleagues at the League of American Orchestras. Here are the Republican representatives who voted against the Walberg amendment, and the Democrats who voted for it. Thanks to all of you for your committed advocacy with your legislators in the House of Representatives.
Republicans Voting against NEA Cuts
Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL)
Rep. Michael Simpson (ID)
Rep. Judy Biggert (IL)
Rep. Robert Dold (IL)
Rep. Aaron Schock (IL)
Rep. John Shimkus (IL)
Rep. Charles Bass (NH)
Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ)
Rep. Chris Gibson (NY)
Rep. Michael Grimm (NY)
Rep. Richard Hanna (NY)
Rep. Steven LaTourette (OH)
Rep. Steve Stivers (OH)
Rep. Patrick Tiberi (OH)
Rep. Michael Turner (OH)
Rep. Greg Walden (OR)
Rep. Charles Dent (PA)
Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA)
Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA)
Rep. Todd Platts (PA)
Rep. David Reichert (WA)
Rep. David McKinley (WV)
Democrats Voting for NEA Cuts
Rep. Dennis Cardoza (CA)
Rep. Jim Costa (CA)
Rep. Dan Boren (OK)
[post_title] => House Moves to Wrap up 2011 Funding Bill, Action Moves to Senate
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House Moves to Wrap up 2011 Funding Bill, Action Moves to Senate

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…

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…
- Oppose the amendment offered by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) that would decrease NEA funding by an additional $20.6 million, for a total NEA cut of $43.1 million.
- Oppose the amendment offered by Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) that would eliminate FY2011 NEA funding altogether.
You may contact your senators and representatives by e-mail at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/, or through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. These are the key points to make in your communications with your legislators:
- Public funding for the arts is a sound investment in states and communities facing tough economic conditions.
- The arts generate jobs, tax revenues and consumer spending.
- NEA funds to state arts agencies are even more critical when a depressed economy is straining state budgets.
These NASAA resources can help you make the case:
Taking Charge of Change
Why Should Government Support the Arts?
[post_title] => URGENT—Take Action: Oppose Amendments to Further Cuts, Elimination of NEA 2011 Funding
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URGENT—Take Action: Oppose Amendments to Further Cuts, Elimination of NEA 2011 Funding

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…

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…
- Public funding for the arts is a sound investment in states and communities facing tough economic conditions.
- The arts generate jobs, tax revenues and consumer spending.
- NEA funds to state arts agencies are even more critical when a depressed economy is straining state budgets.
These NASAA resources can help you make the case:
Taking Charge of Change
Why Should Government Support the Arts?
[post_title] => UPDATE—Take Action: New House Money Bill Would Cut $22 Million From NEA
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UPDATE—Take Action: New House Money Bill Would Cut $22 Million From NEA

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…
- Public funding for the arts is a sound investment in states and communities facing tough economic conditions.
- The arts generate jobs, tax revenues and consumer spending.
- NEA funds to state arts agencies will enable state support for the arts to continue where a depressed economy has resulted in revenue shortfalls.These NASAA resources can help you make the case:
Taking Charge of Change
Why Should Government Support the Arts?Please make a special effort to secure the support of those moderate Republicans who have good voting records on arts funding issues in the past. Reach out to these legislators and urge advocates in your state to do the same:
Alabama
Rep. Robert Aderholt
California
Rep. Brian Bilbray
Rep. Mary Bono
Rep. Jerry Lewis
Florida
Rep. Vern Buchanan
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Idaho
Rep. Michael Simpson
Illinois
Rep. Judy Biggert
Rep. Timothy Johnson
Rep. John Shimkus
Kentucky
Rep. Ed Whitfield
Louisiana
Rep. Rodney Alexander
Michigan
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter
Rep. Mike Rogers
Rep. Fred Upton
Missouri
Rep. Jo Ann Emerson
Montana
Rep. Dennis Rehberg
Nebraska
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry
New Jersey
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen
Rep. Frank LoBiondo
Rep. Christopher Smith
Ohio
Rep. Steven LaTourette
Rep. Patrick Tiberi
Rep. Michael Turner
Oklahoma
Rep. Frank Lucas
Oregon
Rep. Greg Walden
Pennsylvania
Rep. Charles Dent
Rep. Jim Gerlach
Rep. Timothy Murphy
Rep. Todd Platts
Virginia
Rep. Frank Wolf
Washington
Rep. David Reichert
West Virginia
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito
[post_title] => Take Action: House Votes Expected on 2011 Funds; House Appropriations Committee Struggles with Cuts, Lists NEA
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Take Action: House Votes Expected on 2011 Funds; House Appropriations Committee Struggles with Cuts, Lists NEA

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…

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…