President Bush today sent his FY 2006 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) and the Department of Education's Arts in Education programs.
For FY 2006, the President has requested $121.3 million for NEA and $138.1 million for NEH. In effect, the President has level-funded these programs; he has neither offered an increase, nor has he requested any cuts. Of particular concern this year is a proposed redistribution of $6.5 million that would result in a 30 percent cut in the longstanding and Congressionally-popular NEA Challenge America program. Challenge America is a highly effective program, which uses the arts to enhance America’s communities through grants for arts education and improved access to the arts for all Americans, especially in underserved communities.
The President requested a funding boost of $4.19 million (a 12 percent increase) for the Office of Museum Services, bringing the total OMS budget to $38.9 million.
During a time when significant programs are suffering from major budget cuts, Americans for the Arts appreciates the Administration’s ongoing support and funding for the arts and culture in America. However, we are somewhat disappointed in the Administration’s budget recommendations for the NEA and NEH, considering the president requested significant increases just last year. Moreover, for the fifth consecutive year, the President's budget has eliminated funding for the Department of Education's Arts in Education programs, which includes model arts collaborations with schools, teacher professional development, and arts programs for at-risk youth. It is important to remember that the President has never requested funding for these programs. This funding is traditionally restored by the Senate and accepted by the House in conference.
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 encourage you to visit our E-Advocacy Center and write to your elected officials urging them to support funding increases for the arts. Simply enter your zipcode and read our easy-to-follow instructions. We have even provided several talking points to help you craft your letter, though we recommend you add your own thoughts and stories about why the arts are important to you and your community.
If you have any questions, please contact Justin Beland, Government Affairs and Grassroots Manager, at jbeland@artsusa.org. Thank you for your continued support of the arts!
