Archived Action Alerts:
12/5/13: NEA Releases Arts Economic Impact Research Report
In December 2013, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) released a preliminary report on the impact of arts and culture on the U.S. economy. Working with the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), this report was the first federal effort to provide in-depth analysis of the arts and cultural sector's contributions to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). In early February 2014, the NEA released more detailed data on their blog showing the dollar amount of value that each arts discipline adds to the GDP, an enhancement that the December report didn’t include.
ACTION: Learn more about this report by reading this press release on the NEA website and this post on the NEA blog.
11/13/13: Rep. Ken Calvert named Chairman of House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior
On November 13, 2013, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) was named as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies which oversees NEA appropriations. TCG and the PAA advocate for federal appropriations for the NEA so that it can continue to support arts organizations, helping them make meaningful connections between their art, artists, and their communities.
ACTION: Learn more about how to advocate for the NEA at the PAA website’s Issue Center.
9/1/13: News Alert! NEA Funding Status Update: The House Appropriations Committee halted its FY14 budget debates for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and a number of other agencies just before the August recess, leaving up in the air a drastic proposed 49% cut to the NEA. Meanwhile, the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee has recommended a level of $154.5 million for the NEA’s FY14 budget – an increase over the current funding level of $138.4 million. With time running out to finalize a number of funding decisions before the new fiscal year begins on October 1, it is likely Congress will pass a short-term funding package at current spending levels while negotiations continue.
8/1/13: News Alert! NEA Cut in Half -- Next Steps: In July the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee proposed a 49% cut to the National Endowment for the Arts. While the federal government is operating under the confines of the sequester, this cut is disproportionate and harsh. While we don’t expect the Senate or the President to allow this deep a cut to the NEA, please take action by strengthening your relationship with your member of Congress. Visit your respresentatives while they are back in their home districts during their August recess and shore up their support for performing arts legislative issues. Visit the Take Action page on the PAA website for tips on contacting and meeting with your policy members as well as inviting them to performances.
7/22/13: Huge Cut to the NEA Proposed!
Will you allow the NEA Budget to be cut in half? Take immediate action to protect the NEA. Yesterday the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the NEA’s budget, voted to cut the NEA’s FY14 funding to $75 million – down from the current enacted funding level of $146 million. This is disproportionate compared to cuts proposed for other agencies and this appropriation is less than half of the Administration’s FY14 budget request to Congress. The full House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve this $75 million budget, and could consider the bill as early as next week. There is still time for the Committee to make changes to the Bill if Members of Congress hear from you - their constituents.
ACTION: TCG and the Performing Arts Alliance (PAA) urge you to take action and ask Congress to fund the NEA at $155 million in 2014! Sending a message to your Member will take two minutes - make sure your voice is heard. Learn more about this disproportionate cut, what may happen as a response in the Senate, and which Members of Congress have the biggest impact on this issue on the PAA website.
4/9/13: Support FY14 Funding for the NEA
Arts Advocacy Day Action Alert
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is a critical source of federal support for performing arts organizations around the country. Through direct grants and support to state arts agencies, the NEA awards more than 2,000 grants each year to nonprofit performing arts organizations for projects that widen citizen access to the arts, making the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of the arts available to more communities. With the FY14 budget process underway, please take a moment to write to your Senators and Representatives and ask them to support funding for the NEA at $155 million.
ACTION: Make your voice heard! Ask your legislators to support funding the NEA at $155 million.
6/20/12: Take Action - Maintain Funding for the NEA
On June 20, the U.S. House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee voted to cut National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding by $14 million for FY13 from the current funding level of $146 million. This decrease of nearly 10% comes after a $21.5 million decrease in funds over the past two fiscal years, even as President Obama proposed an $8 million funding increase for this fiscal year.
ACTION: The full House Appropriations Committee is expected to vote on the FY13 Interior Appropriations bill in the coming weeks. In advance, it is extremely important that members of the Appropriations Committee hear from constituents across the country supporting funding for the NEA. Click here to send a personalized letter and invite your friends to do the same.
4/17/12: Support and Protect FY13 Funding for the National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is a critical source of federal support for performing arts organizations around the country. Through direct grants and support to state arts agencies, the NEA awards more than 2,000 grants each year to nonprofit performing arts organizations for projects that widen citizen access to the arts, making the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of the arts available to more communities.
Over the last two fiscal years, the NEA has suffered a $21.5 million decrease resulting in a current budget of $146 million. Now that the FY13 budget process is underway, it is critical that elected officials understand the public value of the investment of direct federal support for the arts. Please take a moment to write to your Senators and Representative and ask them to support funding for the NEA at $155 million.
ACTION: Your voice makes a difference! Click here to generate your letter and contact your legislators today.
2/14/12: President Releases FY13 Budget, Urge Support for Arts Funding and Charitable Giving
Yesterday, President Obama released his FY13 federal budget proposal to Congress, which serves as a starting point for the Congressional appropriations process. The budget proposal includes $154.255 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), an $8 million increase which nearly restores the decrease he recommended last year; consolidating the Arts in Education program into a broader fund for Effective Teaching and Learning for a Well-Rounded Education which would eliminate the ability to track funding for each subject and would diminish federal leadership in these essential subjects of learning; and capping deductions, including the charitable deduction, at 28% for individual taxpayers earning more than $200,000 and couples earning more than $250,000. While the protections for charitable giving incentives are an important recognition of the unique value of charitable deductions, the proposal to cap deductibility at 28% has met strong opposition in the nonprofit community.
ACTION: As Congress turns its attention to FY13 funding, the arts community must raise its voice and stress the public value of federal support for the arts. Click here to generate your letter and contact your legislators today.
12/28/11: President Signs FY12 Funding Bill
Late last week, President Obama signed a consolidated bill to finalize FY12 federal funding. The final budget package includes $145.979 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and $24.593 million for the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education. After a rollercoaster year, the FY12 NEA budget suffered a decrease of $8.745 million compared to last year's funding allocation. The Arts in Education program ultimately received a decrease from the $27.447 million administered by the Department in FY11. Thank you for your ongoing advocacy in support of the arts
ACTION: Please stay tuned to Alliance updates and alerts! Click here for further details on the FY12 Funding Bill.
7/7/11: NEA Funding Threatened Disproportionately
On July 7, 2011 the U.S. House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee voted to cut National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding by $20 million for FY12 from the current funding level of $155 million. The NEA already suffered a $12.5 million decrease last year and today's proposal more than doubles the $9 million reduction recommended by President Obama in FY12. The Subcommittee's nearly 13% cut is also disproportionate to the 7% cut to the overall spending levels in the entire Interior bill.
ACTION: The full House Appropriations Committee is expected to vote on the FY12 Interior Appropriations bill next week. In advance, it is extremely important that members of the Appropriations Committee hear from constituents supporting funding for the NEA. Click here to send a personalized letter and invite your friends to do the same.
3/1/11: Restore FY11 Funding for Arts in Education and NEA!
As the long-term FY11 budget resolution debate continues, your help is needed to urge Congress to restore funding for the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The House FY11 long-term budget resolution eliminates funding for the Arts in Education program and includes a $43.1 million decrease in NEA funding. It is important the arts community raise its voice and urge legislators to restore funding to both of these programs.
ACTION: Click here to send your members of Congress a personalized message urging them to restore funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Arts in Education program at the U.S Department of Education.
2/17/11: House Passes Amendment to Cut NEA Funding
On February 17, the House of Representatives approved an amendment offered by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI-7) to cut FY11 funding to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) by $20.6 million. This was on top of the $22.5 million funding reduction already recommended by the House Appropriations Committee.
ACTION: In the next few days, please take a minute to view the Roll Call Vote on the Walberg amendment to see how your Representative voted and send a follow up message. Click here to send a message to your elected officials urging them to restore the NEA’s budget.
2/15/11: Urge House to Oppose Harmful Amendments to the NEA
Today, as the House of Representatives began debate to finalize FY11 spending bills, Reps. Scott Garrett (R-NJ-5) and Tim Walberg (R-MI-7) offered amendments to eliminate and severely cut FY11 funding to the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts). These amendments are offered in addition to the $22.5 million cut already recommended by the House Appropriations Committee.
ACTION: These amendments may be voted on as early as today, Tuesday, February 15th. Call the Capitol Switchboard right away at 202-224-3121, ask for your Representative’s office, and urge your Representative to vote NO on these harmful amendments. As vocal support by House members is critical while these amendments are debated, make sure to ask your Representative to speak up on the House floor in support of the NEA.
2/10/11: Urge Congress to Support the NEA
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) provides critical federal funding for performing arts organizations nationwide, expanding public access to performances, preserving great classical works, and nurturing the creative endeavors of performing artists across the country. This week, the House Appropriations Committee released their FY11 funding recommendations, calling for a $12 million minimum cut to the NEA. The House is slated to consider these recommendations as they debate the FY11 Continuing Resolution next week. In addition to the recommended funding cut, we anticipate introduction of floor amendments which will more severely cut and/or eliminate funding to the NEA.
ACTION: It is extremely important that members of Congress hear from constituents who support funding for the NEA. Please take a moment to write your Representative and urge them to support the NEA and hold in place federal funding for the arts. Click here to send a personalized letter and invite your friends to do the same. You play an important role in making sure efforts to severely cut or eliminate funding to the NEA are not approved.
News Alert--Discussions in Congress on FY 2011 Appropriations Continue: As the lame duck session in Congress progresses, it is uncertain the direction the House and Senate are expected to take on appropriations. The federal government is currently funded by a Continuing Resolution (CR) through December 3 at FY 2010 levels, so Congress will need to act before that date to keep the government running. One possibility is an additional CR to fund the government until the new Congress takes office in January, and another option is for Congress to pass a year-end FY 2011 omnibus spending package by December 3. Stay tuned for updates on the funding direction Congress takes.
7/28/10: House Interior Appropriations Subcommitte approves $2.5 million increase to the NEA The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee has approved a $2.5 million increase for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), bringing NEA funding to $170 million for FY 2011. Current funding for the agency totals $167.5 million. This is a noteworthy increase given the current discretionary spending freeze in place.
ACTION: Contact your elected official to support this increase in NEA funding.
3/20/10: Support an Increase in Funding for the NEA
President Obama’s FY2011 budget was recently released and it contained mixed news for the arts community. The president ultimately proposed the same funding allocation that he proposed last year for the NEA, $161.3 million. The NEA is currently funded at $167.5 million, so the president's proposal would translate to a $6.2 million decrease in funding.
ACTION: Please take a moment to write your Senators and Representative and ask them to increase funding for the NEA to $180 million for FY2011. Click here to view this Action Alert on the Performing Arts Alliance Website, and to send an e-mail to your elected officials.
10/30/09: House and Senate Approve NEA Increase
On Thursday, October 30, 2009, both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate passed an increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts for $167.5 million in FY 2010. This appropriation is a $12.5 million increase above the current $155 million in funding. The House had previously approved a $170 million funding level, while the Senate had approved $161.3 million. The White House had originally budgeted $161 million. The final budget, reconciled in conference committee this week, was passed by a vote of 247-178 in the House and 72-28 in the Senate with President Obama expected to sign the bill shortly.
ACTION: Please contact your representative and thank them for their support of the arts. Click here to view this Action Alert on the Performing Arts Alliance Website, and to send an e-mail to your elected officials.
9/30/09: Support an Increase in Funding for the NEA
The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have completed their appropriations bills for FY 2010. Included in these bills are funding allocations for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), with the House approving $170 million for the NEA and the Senate allocating $161.3 million. The House appropriation represents a $15 million increase over FY 2009 funding. The next step in the appropriations process will be a House and Senate conference committee to arrive at a final funding decision.
ACTION: Please take a moment to contact your Senators and Representatives and ask that they urge their colleagues on the Senate and House Interior Appropriations Subcommittees to support a $15 million increase for the NEA, setting FY 2010 funding at $170 million. Click here to view this Action Alert on the Performing Arts Alliance Website, and to send an e-mail to your elected officials.
News Alert - NEA Stimulus Funding Now Accessible
The National Endowment for the Arts will provide one-time grants for projects that focus on preserving jobs in the arts to eligible not-for-profits including: arts organizations, local arts agencies, statewide assemblies of local arts agencies, arts service organizations, units of state or local government, and a wide range of other organizations that can help advance the goals of the NEA and this program. All applicants must be previous NEA award recipients from the past four years (see "Applicant Eligibility" for more information). In addition, organizations are limited to receiving NEA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through only one source. Sources include the Arts Endowment directly, or through an entity eligible to subgrant NEA funds including a state arts agency, a regional arts organization of state arts agencies, or a designated local arts agency that is eligible to subgrant or regrant funds.
ACTION: The deadline for application is April 2, 2009. For more information on how to apply, please visit: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/recovery/index.html.
2/13/09: Economic Stimulus Bill Includes $50 Million for the NEA - A Big Win For the Arts
Today (February 13th) marks a significant victory for the arts in this country. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes $50 million to preserve jobs in the non-profit arts sector to be distributed through the NEA. The theatre community mobilized and actively participated in effecting this positive legislative outcome. Members of Congress need to be continually reminded that theatre companies supply jobs, purchase goods and services, and provide programs contributing in measurable ways to the health of our nation’s communities. Thanks to everyone for your advocacy efforts! How can you access this funding? The National Endowment for the Arts will provide one-time grants for projects that focus on preserving jobs in the arts to eligible not-for-profits including: arts organizations, local arts agencies, statewide assemblies of local arts agencies, arts service organizations, units of state or local government, and a wide range of other organizations that can help advance the goals of the NEA and this program. All applicants must be previous NEA award recipients from the past four years (see "Applicant Eligibility" for more information). In addition, organizations are limited to receiving NEA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through only one source. Sources include the Arts Endowment directly, or through an entity eligible to subgrant NEA funds including a state arts agency, a regional arts organization of state arts agencies, or a designated local arts agency that is eligible to subgrant or regrant funds. The deadline for application is April 2, 2009.
ACTION: For more information on how to apply, please visit: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/recovery/index.html.
1/28/09: Urge Senate to Support the NEA
In their markup of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill (ARRP) of 2009, the Senate Appropriations Committee has cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The bill goes to the House floor today, and we urge you to take action by contacting your Representative to build support for its passage. Later this week, the Senate takes up the bill, therefore your participation could still influence the final outcome.
ACTION: Help to ensure that Congress makes the arts a priority. Click here to view this Action Alert on the Performing Arts Alliance Website, and to send an e-mail to your elected officials.
6/10/08: Increase for National Endowment for the Arts
The NEA provides critical federal funding for performing arts organizations, encourages artistic achievement, and brings the performing arts to Americans in every corner of the country. Direct grants to performing arts organizations--and NEA support allocated through state arts agencies--expand public access to performances, preserve great classical works, and nurture the creative endeavors of performing artists nationwide.
ACTION: Please take a moment to write your Senators and Representative and ask them to increase funding for the NEA. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance Webpage, an Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter.
1/2/08: Congress Approves Historic NEA Increase
NEA funding will grow by $20.3 million in FY08, the largest single increase for the agency since 1979, bringing the total support for the agency to $144.7 million. Congress passed the increase in an end-of-year Omnibus Bill, which the President signed on December 26. This increase in NEA funding reflects years of advocacy since the agency's budget was severely cut in 1995.
ACTION: Please take a moment to thank your Member of Congress for this important increase! Congressional Arts Caucus co-chairs Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT) along with Interior Appropriations Sub-Committee Chairman Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA) deserve special thanks. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter.
6/29/07: The House Approves a $35 Million Funding Increase for the NEA
The House of Representatives has approved a $35 million increase in funding for the NEA for FY08. This is the largest single increase in NEA history and represents a significant restoration of funding for the NEA.
ACTION: Please take a moment to thank NEA champions, Reps. Dicks, Slaughter, and Shays. Please also take a moment to express disappointment in Reps. Bishop, Brown-Waite, and Lamborn who offered anti-NEA amendments. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance webpage and to find out how to contact specific House Representatives.
6/20/07: Ask your Senator to Support a Larger Increase in NEA Funding
Despite incremental increases in funding, the NEA has never recovered from a 40% cut in FY96. The House Appropriations Committee has approved a $35 million increase for the NEA funding for a total FY08 appropriation of $160 million. The Senate Appropriations Committee has only approved a $9 million increase.
ACTION: Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to ask your Senator to support a larger increase in NEA funding.
6/13/07: Tell the House to Support an Increase in NEA Funding
In partnership with other arts advocates nationwide, the Performing Arts Alliance is asking Congress to vote in favor of an increase in NEA funds and oppose any amendments which would decrease funding. The $35 million increase in funding for FY08, already approved by the House Appropriations Committee, would substantially restore grant dollars available to support the creation, preservation, and presentation of the arts in America.
ACTION: Please contact your Representative and ask him/her to support the $35 million funding increase for the NEA when the spending bill comes to the House floor. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter.
5/23/07: House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Approves $35 Million Increase In NEA Funding
During the May 23rd mark-up of the FY 2008 Interior Appropriations bill, 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, a phenomenal show of support for the arts.
ACTION: Please take a moment to thank the members of the Interior Appropriations Committee for supporting federal funding for the arts. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance webpage and their May 2007 Advocacy Report.
5/14/07: Tell Congress to Increase NEA Funding
In February, President Bush asked for a budget of $128.4 for the NEA for FY 2008 - only a $4 million increase for FY 2007 funding. The United States House of Representatives Interior Appropriations Subcommittee is expected to begin mark-up of the FY 2008 Interior Appropriations bill, which includes funding for the NEA, as early as May 16.
ACTION: Please contact your member of Congress and ask him or her to support increased funding for the NEA. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance webpage, the action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter to your Congressperson.
4/11/07: Circulating NEA and Arts Education Letters
President Bush has asked for a $4 million increase for the NEA and zero funding for the Arts in Education programs at the US Department of Education. With no additional funding, inflation will cut into the NEA's ability to make grants to performing arts organizations and the Department of Education will be unable to make a second round of Arts in Education grants. The Congressional Arts Caucus is circulating two Dear Colleague letters in support of increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and increased funding for the Arts in Education programs at the U.S. Department of Education.
ACTION: Please take a moment to write to your Representative and ask him or her to sign the Arts Caucus Dear Colleague letters. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance webpage.
3/09/07: Celebrate Arts Advocacy Day
Tuesday, March 13th is Arts Advocacy Day! Arts advocates from around the country will be descending on Capitol Hill to tell Congress to support the arts.
ACTION: Please contact your Representative and Senators and urge them to support the issues you care about in honor of Arts Advocacy Day 2007. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter.
9/26/06: Circulating NEA Funding Increase Letter
Senator Coleman (R-MN) has drafted a Dear Colleague letter in support of a $5-$10 million increase for the NEA. The House of Representatives has approved a $5 million increase in funding for the NEA while the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved level funding. It is likely that NEA funding will be rolled into a giant package of funding measures that Congress will consider in November.
ACTION: Please ask your Senators to sign the Senate Dear Colleague letter in support of a $5 - $10 million increase for the NEA.
6/26/06: Senate Appropriations Committee Approves $124.4 Million Budget for NEA
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved a budget of $124.4 million or level funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Advocates had hoped that Senate appropriators would at least match the $5 million increase that was approved by the House in May. The funding will be considered by the full Senate sometime in July.
ACTION: Please write to your Senator to support the House-passed NEA budget of $129.4 million.
5/22/06: Amendments in the House to Increase and Decrease NEA Funding
The U.S. House of Representatives has debated the FY 2007 Interior Appropriations bill, which includes funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Congressional Arts Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) offered a bipartisan amendment to increase the NEA’s budget by $5 million during the floor debate on May 18th. Rep. Bob Beauprez (R-CO) offered an amendment to cut NEA funding by $30 million. This cut would have devastated the NEA’s ability to support the performing arts in communities across the country. After defeating the anti-NEA Beauprez Amendment, the House approved a $5 million increase for the NEA on a voice vote.
ACTION: Please take a moment to thank the Representatives who supported the NEA and express your disappointment with those who voted for the anti-NEA Beauprez Amendment.
4/17/06: Tell Congress to Increase NEA Funding
Representatives Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Christopher Shays (R-CT), co-chairs of the Congressional Arts Caucus, plan to offer a bipartisan amendment to increase the NEA’s budget by $5–7 million during the floor debate.
ACTION: Please contact your member of Congress and ask him or her to support a budget increase for the NEA.
2/10/06: Tell Congress to Support a Larger NEA and Arts in Education Budget
President Bush released the Administration’s budget request for FY 2007 this week, and once again he has requested no new funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the elimination of all funding for the Department of Education’s Arts in Education Programs and a cut of $53.5 million from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). An NEA budget of $124.4 million leaves the agency seriously under-funded and unable to fund the thousands of qualified grant applications it receives. Without additional funds, the NEA will be unable to adequately fund the discipline programs which are so important to the theatre community.
ACTION: Please write to your Members of Congress, and ask them to support an NEA budget of $170 million in the FY07 Interior Appropriations bill and an Arts in Education budget of $53 million for FY07.