Government Affairs Update: Representatives Sign Letter to Support NEA and Support Museum Funding Advocacy

Image
Picture of capital with words "government affairs update"

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.

Interested in receiving these updates straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email list!

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.


120 Representatives Sign Letter to Support NEA

Over the past month, a bipartisan group of 120 members of the House of Representatives signed a “Dear Colleague” letter supporting at least $213 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts in FY27. “Dear Colleague” letters are a long-standing, official tool in Congress. By circulating one, a member of Congress can build support for an issue or piece of legislation.

In this case, the letter was sent to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee as the committee prepares to draft the House FY27 budget.

👉 Read the “Dear Colleague” letter with the co-signers, here.

ACTION: Opportunity to Support Museum Funding Advocacy

The American Alliance of Museums invites organizations and companies of all types to sign on in support of FY27 funding for federal programs and agencies that serve museums and their communities. The letter calls for support for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Historic Preservation Fund, and more.

Only organizations, not individuals, may sign the letter. The deadline to sign is April 30.

👉 Read and sign the advocacy letter here.

Do You Connect with Government? We Need to Hear from You!

One of the most effective ways to sustain the arts in government is for elected officials to have real connections with the artists and arts organizations in their districts. If you or your choral organization have experience advocating for the arts locally, inviting government officials to your events, or meeting with officials in their offices, we want to hear from you.

Please send us an email at [email protected] and share your story! Thank you!


Image
Amy Fitterer Headshot

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.