Pres. Bush FY budget - effects on the arts

President Bush today sent his FY 2008 budget request to Congress, beginning the yearly appropriations process for the nation’s cultural agencies and programs, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), Office of Museum Services (OMS), Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), and the Department of Education’s Arts in Education programs.  We urge you to write your Members of Congress and tell them to support increased funding for the nation’s arts programs.

For the first time in three years, the President has initiated a proposed increase of 3.2 percent for the NEA, which would bring it to a total of $128.4 million.  The Administration’s request for an increase is its first since 2005, and therefore is a step in the right direction.  Moreover, it comes in the wake of strong signals from both parties in Congress that a funding increase is needed.  Nevertheless, our government is significantly under-investing in the NEA, which used to receive much greater funding:  in fact, in 1992, the NEA received $176 million.  Americans for the Arts urges Congress to return NEA funding to its former level as quickly as possible.

The President asked for a 1.4 percent increase for the NEH, to $143 million.  An increase of this size would not make up for the effects of inflation.

For the seventh consecutive year, the President’s budget has eliminated funding for the Department of Education’s Arts in Education programs, which include funding for model arts programs and collaborations with schools, teacher professional development, and arts programs for at-risk youth. Americans for theArts President and CEO Robert Lynch responded to the Administration's budget request with the following statement:

"It disappointing to see the Administration propose zeroing out funding for the seventh consecutive year to the Department of Education’s arts education programs. One of the best ways to nurture creativity, a necessity to prepare for a 21st-century workforce, is to have children learn and actively participate in the arts.  The Administration needs to understand the role of arts education in developing an innovative and creative society. Studies show that students who participate in the arts are not only more likely to participate in a math and science fair but also out-perform their peers on the SATs by 103 points."
Also, the FY 2008 budget request calls for a cut of $50 million in already-approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).  As a trusted community resource, CPB uses the power of noncommercial television and radio to enrich the lives of all Americans through quality programs and education services.

Finally, and on a very positive note, the President requested a funding boost of over $8 million for the Office of Museum Services, bringing the amount of funding available for grants to $40 million.  A breakdown of the President’s budget request is as follows:

Federally Funded Arts Program

FY07  Spending*
(in millions)

President’s Request FY07
(in millions)
National Endowment for the Arts

$124.41

$128.4
National Endowment for the Humanities

$141

$143
Office of Museum Services within IMLS

$31.8

$40.4
U.S. Dept. of Education’s Arts in Ed

$35.3

$0
Corporation for Public Broadcasting

$400

$350
 * FY07 funds, while not finalized, are expected to be set at FY06 levels.

 
As you know, the President’s budget is the first step in the appropriations process.  While it serves as an important framework, Congress has the power to set its own priorities and change these funding levels. 
That’s where you come in.

Arts advocates can make their voices heard by writing their Members of Congress and urging them to increase funding for arts and culture and restore funding for arts in education programs. We have provided you with a customizable letter to send to your Members of Congress, as well as several talking points to help you craft your message.  We recommend you add your own thoughts and stories about why the arts are important to you and your community.  We also encourage you to join us in Washington, DC for Arts Advocacy Day 2007, March 12-13, 2007.  You’ll have the opportunity to visit your Members of Congress face-to-face and urge them to support the arts.

If you have any questions, please contact Nikki Sparks, Manager of Government and Public Affairs, at nsparks@artsusa.org.  Thank you for your continued support of the arts!

This information is provided for your interest. Does not necessarily reflect the views of Gallery202, Partners in Art, Inc. or it's governing board.