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NEA Funding In the Economic Recovery Package
ACTION ALERT: SUPPORT ARTS FUNDING IN THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE
The House of Representatives plans to vote on Wednesday, January 28, on the economic stimulus legislation – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 629) – an $825 billion package with $50 million allocated for the National Endowment for the Arts. This week, the relevant House committees, including the Appropriations Committee, approved elements of the stimulus measure, setting the stage for debate and a vote by the full House of Representatives. The Senate expects to vote on the stimulus legislation by the end of next week or early the week of February 2.
Critics of the stimulus plan have singled out the $50 million in arts funding as an example of needless spending in the bill. This demonstrates the need for musicians to continue to tell their Senators and Representatives that arts funding is necessary to help stimulate the economy. Despite the relevant House committees approving the bill with the arts funding included, it is far from secure. Opponents can still block the funding once the bill is taken up by the full House of Representatives. Furthermore, it is equally important to ensure the arts allocation is included in the Senate's version of the stimulus. Both the House and the Senate have to agree to include funding for the arts in the stimulus bill before the money can be disbursed.
TAKE ACTION: Please contact your senators and representatives, urging their support to retain the allocation of $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts in the economic stimulus legislation.
We’ve included a letter that you can send to your Senator and Representative asking them to support the $50 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. Just follow the instructions on this webpage to send the letter.
The NEA funds myriad programs that are beneficial to musicians. Specifically, the NEA gave 132 grants to symphonies, orchestras and music programs in 2007. These grants are necessary to ensuring the United States’ music community remains strong and vibrant.
Thank you for your support.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: NEA Funding in the Economic Recovery Package
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to urge you to support the $50 million appropriation for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The arts and entertainment industry, according to Americans for the Arts, contributes $167 billion to the economy and supports approximately 6 million jobs. This $50 million in NEA funding will help to see that this industry and the men and women who work in the arts can safely weather the economic downturn.
Thank you and please support the $50 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Sincerely,
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