Action Alerts

10/30/07: FCC Rulemaking May Threaten Performing Arts Wireless Microphones!
The FCC is under pressure to approve new wireless devices to operate in the so-called "White Spaces." These are the same wireless frequencies used by wireless microphones in our theatres and could jeopardize your system. This issue is the most serious technology issue the American arts community has faced in the last 30 years. The FCC could act in early November on this issue.
ACTION: If your theatre has not yet filed comments with the FCC, please visit the American Arts Alliance website for more information.

6/29/07: The House Approves a $35 Million Funding Increase for the NEA
The House of Representatives has approved a $35 million increase in funding for the NEA for FY08. This is the largest single increase in NEA history and represents a significant restoration of funding for the NEA.
ACTION: Please take a moment to thank NEA champions, Reps. Dicks, Slaughter, and Shays. Please also take a moment to express disappointment in Reps. Bishop, Brown-Waite, and Lamborn who offered anti-NEA amendments. Click here to see the American Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter.

6/20/07: Ask your Senator to Support a Larger Increase in NEA Funding
Despite incremental increases in funding, the NEA has never recovered from a 40% cut in FY96. The House Appropriations Committee has approved a $35 million increase for the NEA funding for a total FY08 appropriation of $160 million. The Senate Appropriations Committee has only approved a $9 million increase.
ACTION: Click here to see the American Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to ask your Senator to support a larger increase in NEA Funding.

6/13/07: Tell the House to Support an Increase in NEA Funding
In partnership with other arts advocates nationwide, the American Arts Alliance is asking Congress to vote in favor of an increase in NEA funds and oppose any amendments which would decrease funding. The $35 million increase in funding for FY08, already approved by the House Appropriations Committee, would substantially restore grant dollars available to support the creation, preservation, and presentation of the arts in America.
ACTION: Please contact your Representative and ask him/her to support the $35 million funding increase for the NEA when the spending bill comes to the House floor. Click here to see the American Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter.

5/23/07: House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Approves $35 Million Increase In NEA Funding
During theMay 23rdmark-up of the FY 2008 Interior Appropriations bill, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved a budget of$160 millionfor the National Endowment for the Arts – a $35 million increase over FY 2007 funding, a phenomenal show of support for the arts.
ACTION: Please take a moment to thank the members of the Interior Appropriations Committee for supporting federal funding for the arts. Click here to see the American Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample thank you letter to your Representative.

5/14/07: Tell Congress to Increase NEA Funding
In February, President Bush asked for a budget of $128.4 for the NEA for FY 2008 - only a $4 million increase for FY 2007 funding. The United States House of Representatives Interior Appropriations Subcommittee is expected to begin mark-up of the FY 2008 Interior Appropriations bill, which includes funding for the NEA, as early as May 16.
ACTION: Please contact your member of Congress and ask him or her to support increased funding for the NEA. Click here to see the American Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter to your Congressperson.

4/11/07: Circulating NEA and Arts Education Letters
President Bush has asked for a $4 million increase for the NEA and zero funding for the Arts in Education programs at the US Department of Education. With no additional funding, inflation will cut into the NEA's ability to make grants to performing arts organizations and the Department of Education will be unable to make a second round of Arts in Education grants. The Congressional Arts Caucus is circulating two Dear Colleague letters in support of increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and increased funding for the Arts in Education programs at the U.S. Department of Education.
ACTION: Please take a moment to write to your Representative and ask him or herto sign theArts Caucus Dear Colleague letters. Click here to see the American Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter encouraging your Representative to sign the letters.
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3/09/07: Celebrate Arts Advocacy Day
Tuesday, March 13th is Arts Advocacy Day! Arts advocates from around the country will be descending on Capitol Hill to tell Congress to support the arts.
ACTION: Please contact your Representative and Senators and urge them to support the issues you care about in honor of Arts Advocacy Day 2007. Click here to see the American Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter.
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2/15/07: USCIS Proposes an Increase in Visa Processing Fees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a proposed increase in visa processing fees for O and P visas. This proposed rule would increase the Form I-129 filing fee (from $190 to $320) and the Form I-824 filing fee (from $200 to $340). These new fees would increase the financial burden U.S. nonprofit performing arts petitioners already suffer when booking foreign guest artists.
ACTION: Please write to the Director of Regulatory Management Division USCIS to express your opposition to this proposal! Click here to see the American Arts Alliance webpage, the AAA Brief, and to access a sample letter.