The U.S House of Representatives Interior Appropriations Subcommittee recently approved its initial FY 2014 funding legislation that proposes a cut of $71 million to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This would bring funding of the NEA down to $75 million, a level not seen since 1974.

This is just the first step in an annual appropriations process in Congress, which this year appears to be heading toward a dysfunctional ending. It is expected that the full House Appropriations Committee will consider this legislation this week; however, as the Senate and the House have vastly different appropriations levels, it remains unclear whether this bill will reach the House floor or a final version will ever be completed with the Senate.

While the Massachusetts Congressional delegation have historically been solid supporters of the NEA and the creative community, MASSCreative suggest that you send a message to your member of Congress registering your concerns about this proposed 49% cut. 

Public support for the creative community comes from all levels -- national, state, and local. Let’s make sure our Representatives in DC are fighting for our community.