It’s not just the likely Fiscal 2012 budget reductions for the arts that we have to worry about.
Because a budget for the current fiscal year was never adopted by Congress, the Federal Government has been operating under a continuing resolution this year (based on appropriations for Fiscal 2010). But a Fiscal 2011 budget for the remainder of this fiscal year (to Sept. 30) is now being debated, and could abruptly deflate arts groups’ and institutions’ expectations of support.
The American Association of Museums reports:
This week, the House [of Representatives] voted on an amendment (offered by Rep. Tim Walberg from Michigan) to cut $20.6 million from the National Endowment for the Arts for the remainder of the current [emphasis added] fiscal year (FY11). The vote was approved by a 217-209 vote. This is likely to mean some kind of reduction in funding for the agency as the FY11 budget is finalized between the House and Senate.
AAM also reports that two other museum-related, budget-cutting amendments have been filed and could be formally offered—elimination of support for non-federal museums and for the the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The NY Times published a list of the key amendments and the voting results on them. No proposed change in funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities is included.
AAM urges members of the cultural community who are concerned about the possible arts cuts to call 202-225-3121 “and urge your Representative to oppose any amendment to restrict funding for museums.”