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 for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) from the current level of $167.5 million to $145 million. As we expected, two amendments have been introduced aimed at doing further damage.

Thanks to all of you who have been calling and writing your members of Congress to oppose these amendments. Please continue to take action. Contact your representatives in the House today and urge them to:

• 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?