On May 23, the President released his FY18 budget, detailing eliminations and cuts to agencies and programs that support the arts in our nation, including the National Endowment for the Arts. The budget includes justification for the elimination or reduction of each program or agency. Common themes include the availability of support from the private sector, duplication of activities that can be funded by other federal funds, statements that programs are not core federal responsibilities, or statements that evidence proves certain programs to be ineffective.                                         

ELIMINATED: National Endowment for the Arts
Current funding: $149,849,000
Proposed FY18 funding: $29M, “to begin shutting down” the agency.                       

ELIMINATED: 21st Century Community Learning Centers at the U.S. Department of Education
Current funding: $1,191,673,000

ELIMINATED: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants at the U.S. Department of Education
Current funding: $400,000,000

ELIMINATED: Arts in Education Program at the U.S. Department of Education
Current funding: $27,000,000

REDUCED: Funding for Educational and Cultural Exchanges at the State Department
Current funding: $590,000,000
Proposed FY18 funding: $285M

The budget also recommends elimination of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, allotting $30M for “orderly closeout” of the agency. The National Endowment for the Humanities has also been recommended for elimination, with $42M being allotted for closeout.

The President’s budget is the first step in a lengthy appropriations process. Lawmakers in the House and the Senate must debate and agree on spending levels for government agencies and programs before a budget is signed into law. Now is the time to contact your lawmakers and tell them how important the arts are for revitalizing communities, engaging students in education, building local economies, and enriching everyday life.  Speak up for the arts and join PAA in advocating for sustaining federal support for the arts in FY18:

• $155 million for the National Endowment for the Arts
• $30 million for the Assistance for Arts Education Program
• Full funding and implementation of well-rounded education provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act