NEA Funding
Legislative Recap of FY 2008 NEA Appropriations
Appropriations Detail:
February 5, 2008 – President Bush releases FY09 budget proposal: the Bush Administration’s FY 2009 budget proposal was released and includes a significant cut of $16.3 million in the NEA's appropriation from the agency’s FY08 approved budget of $144.7 million.
December 17, 2007 - $20.3 million increase for NEA: Congress approved a $20.3 million increase in NEA funding for a total FY08 appropriation of $144.7 million. The omnibus package also contained $2.16 million for the Arts Fast Response Survey for Public Elementary and Secondary Schools for 2008-2009. The spending package also contained $505 million for Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs within the State Department. The program will see a $59 million increase above last year's budget.
June 27, 2007 - $35 million increase in NEA funding: The U.S. House of Representatives approved funding a $35 million increase to the NEA—the largest in 30 years. The House solidly defeated the amendments that would have reduced or eliminated NEA funding. Final passage of the House Interior Appropriations bill was approved by a vote of 272-155.
June 19, 2007 - The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a $9 million increase in funding for the NEA for FY08.
June 6, 2007 - The House Appropriations Committee approved a $35 million increase in funding for the NEA for FY08.
May 23, 2007- $35 million increase in NEA funding: The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved a budget of$160 million for the National Endowment for the Arts – a $35 million increase over FY 2007 funding.
April 24, 2007- Congress goes on record in support of arts education and the NEA: Over 165 performing arts supporters sent letters to their representatives urging them to show their support for the performing arts by signing the Congressional Arts Caucus Dear Colleague letters in support of increased funding for the NEA and Arts Education. 101 members signed the NEA Dear Colleague and 71 signed the Arts Education Dear Colleague.
April 19, 2007 - Violinist testifies before Congress: Phoenix Symphony violist Karen Bea testified in support of NEA funding before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on April 19th. This is the first time in several years that the U.S. House of Representatives invited public witness testimony regarding funding for the NEA. This was a rare on-the-record opportunity for Congress to hear directly from the performing arts community about the value of NEA grants to organizations.
March 20, 2007 - NEA Chair testifies before Congress: NEA Chairman Dana Gioia testified before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on March 20th. For the first time in many years, the NEA was invited to bring outside witnesses. Chairman Gioia said that he has five priorities for any substantial increase in NEA funding. Those priorities are 1) increasing the average grant size to organizations, 2) arts education, 3) increasing grants to underserved areas and populations, 4) increasing funds for the states and 5) supporting international exchange. Click here to read Chairman written testimony.
March 13, 2007 - First hearing in 12 years on the importance of investing in the arts: The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee held a hearing devoted to federal arts funding on Arts Advocacy Day. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA-6), chair of the Subcommittee, scheduled the hearing, entitled “Role of the Arts in Creativity and Innovation” to spotlight arts issues on Capitol Hill.
February 16, 2007 – Congress approves final FY07 continuing resolution: To close out the FY07 appropriations process, Congress approves a final continuing resolution, extending level funding for the NEA and the NEH until September 30, 2007.
February 6, 2007 - President Bush releases FY08 budget proposal: The Bush Administration’s FY 2008 budget proposal was released and includes modest budget increases for some federal cultural agencies including the NEA, the NEH, the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the Smithsonian, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The $4 million NEA increase would bring the agency's total budget to $128.4 million. This is the first time in three years that the administration has proposed an increase for the agency. However, the budget provides no funding for the Arts in Education programs at the Department of Education, and a 25 percent cut in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.