Further NEA Cuts Proposed

from Citizens for the Arts in PA:

We've just learned that two members of Congress have introduced amendments to further cut, and terminate, funding from the National Endowment for the Arts during consideration of the FY 2011 appropriations measure. Your member in the U.S. House, Rep. Charlie Dent, a key GOP member with a solid record of support for the arts, has voted against amendments like this previously, and we hope you will urge another “No” vote.

As you may recall from our E-Alerts last week, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering major cuts to federal programs this week. In the bill they're considering, the NEA will be reduced from $167.5 million to $145 million. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) has introduced an amendment to further cut that amount by $20.5 milllion from the NEA budget. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) has introduced an amendment to terminate funding to the NEA immediately in this fiscal year. Both amendments are in line to be considered this week.

PLEASE take two minutes right now to contact Rep. Charlie Dent and request a voteagainst those amendments -- you can use our customized E-Advocacy Center to send that message.

Please spread this message to other arts advocates in your congressional district. Thank you for your arts advocacy!

Help us continue this important work by becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. If you are not already a member play your part by joining the Arts Action Fund today--it's free and simple.