President’s FY09 Budget Released
February 4th, 2008 at 02:05pm nshoop
On Monday, February 4th, President Bush released his FY 2009 budget request to Congress, which included several drastic cuts proposed for some key arts programs. For FY 2009, President Bush has proposed a $16.3 million cut for the National Endowment for the Arts–from $144.7 million to $128.4 million. For the eighth consecutive year, the President’s budget has eliminated funding for the Department of Education’s Arts in Education programs. Also, the FY 2009 budget request calls for a rescission of $200 million in already-approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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 the funding levels. Visit our E-Advocacy Center to make your voice heard by writing your Member of Congress and urging them to increase funding for arts and culture and restore funding for the arts in education programs. While we have provided you with a customizable letter that you can send on, we recommend that you add your own thoughts and stories about why the arts are important to you and your community. You can also make a difference by joining us in Washington, DC for Arts Advocacy Day 2008, March 31-April 1, 2008, where you can meet with your Members of Congress face-to-face and urge them to support the arts!
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