Yesterday, we sent you the message below stating that the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee is meeting today to start discussions for the National Endowment for the Arts' budget for FY18. We learned yesterday evening that the committee is considering cutting agency funding by $5 million, for a total budget of $145 million. The NEA is currently funded at $150 million.
Considering that the President's budget proposal recommends eliminating the NEA, we are encouraged to see this House Subcommittee showing continued support for the agency by not following these recommendations and considering $145 million.
Though the subcommittee--which includes your representative--meets today, it's not too late to contact your lawmaker! Click the button below to send a message to your representative to ask for $155 million for the NEA in FY18!
Tomorrow, July 12, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee meets to mark up the FY18 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill, which contains funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Committee members-including your representative-will set a dollar amount to begin budget discussions for the next fiscal year.
The NEA is currently funded at $149.849 million. It received a $1.9 million increase in the FY17 omnibus spending bill signed into law in May. The President's FY18 budget proposes eliminating the NEA, and recommends appropriating $29 million for FY18 to wind down the agency. PAA and national arts advocates are asking Congress to keep the agency funded and increase FY18 appropriations to $155 million; take action today and speak up for the NEA!
Your lawmaker serves on the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee; it's important that you contact their office today. Click the link below to send a letter to your legislator asking for support of $155M for the NEA in FY18. A space is provided for you to include a personal message about the value of the NEA in supporting the performing arts in your community.
