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Register by October 17 to Secure Your Spot!
| Registration Type | Member Price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration (Sept. 11-Oct.3) | $750 |
| General Registration (Oct. 4-Oct.17) | $850 |
The political landscape in Washington, DC continues to evolve daily. Chorus America needs to hear from you: How are the federal government’s actions affecting your work? All stories of specific impact are welcome. Please share your experience here. Thank you to those members who have already shared their stories with us.
Visit our Government Affairs Resource Page for more tools.
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These government affairs updates are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Nonprofit arts organizations should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.
Advocacy at the Chorus America Conference
The Chorus America Conference is just around the corner in Minneapolis, June 3–6! Here are a few advocacy-related highlights to check out:
- From Song to Action: Choral Advocacy in Practice
Friday, June 5 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. CT
Hear from leaders at VocalEssence, Miami Children’s Chorus, and Choral Arts Northwest how choral organizations are engaging in advocacy, civic participation, and government relations. Learn more about the session, here. - Closing Plenary
Saturday, June 6 | 10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT
The new President & CEO of OPERA America will discuss how every chorus can advocate and the powerful impact choral music can have in communities and public life. Learn more about the closing plenary, here. - Get out The Vote Resources
Throughout the conference, Chorus America will host an exhibit table with resources on voter engagement and contacting legislators. Choral organizations can play an important role in encouraging civic participation during the 2026 elections.
👉 It’s not too late to register! Visit the conference website, here.
Chorus America Submits Comments on Proposed Higher Education Rule
On May 20, Chorus America joined several national performing arts associations in submitting comments to the U.S. Department of Education regarding a proposed higher education rule.
The Department’s proposal would require most college programs receiving federal student aid to show that graduates earn more than typical high school graduates in the same state. Programs that fail this test in two out of three years could lose access to Federal Direct Loans.
Chorus America and partner organizations expressed concern that the proposal would disproportionately harm performing arts college programs and students.
👉 Read the joint comments here (scroll down to download the full comments).
Chorus America Submits Senate Testimony Supporting NEA Funding
On May 15, Chorus America submitted written testimony supporting FY27 funding for the National Endowment for the Arts to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
Written testimony is one of several advocacy tools used each year to demonstrate the importance of federal arts funding awarded by Congress.
👉 Read Chorus America’s testimony here.
House Subcommittee Proposes 35% Cut to the NEA
On May 22, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies advanced a proposal to cut overall NEA funding by 35% for FY27 and increase the NEA grants to state and regional arts agencies. The Appropriations bill now moves to the full Appropriations Committee, then the House Floor. Meanwhile, the Senate is just getting started with its funding proposals for FY27.
The House Appropriations Subcommittee proposal would fund the NEA at $135 million, a reduction of $72 million below the FY26 enacted level. A similar cut was proposed last year, but Congress ultimately approved level funding for the NEA, with strong bipartisan support, following continuous advocacy from constituents nationwide. Please stay tuned for opportunities to contact your legislators to oppose these cuts.
👉 Read the Subcommittee’s Bill Summary, here.
Charity Parity Act Introduced in Congress
On May 13, the Charity Parity Act was introduced in the House and Senate by a bipartisan group of legislators.
The bill would allow taxpayers to make qualified charitable distributions directly from employer-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Current law only allows these tax-free charitable distributions from IRAs, requiring additional rollover steps for many donors.
Supporters say the bill would simplify charitable giving and treat retirement savers more equitably across different types of retirement accounts.
👉 Read the bill text, here.
Amy Fitterer is a dynamic leader in association management, government affairs, and the performing arts. She has consulted for OPERA America and Partners in Performance, supporting advocacy and strategic planning efforts. As Executive Director of Dance/USA (2011–2020), she led its transformation into a more equitable and financially strong organization, launching initiatives like Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists. Previously, she directed government affairs for OPERA America and Dance/USA, successfully advocating for arts funding and policy improvements. A former ballet dancer and pianist, Amy holds degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. She lives in northern Virginia with her family and enjoys dance, music, and fitness.
