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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.
Update: Federal Appropriations for FY26
The House Appropriations Committee has passed its Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government open past the September 30 budget deadline. However, the House and Senate remain far apart on funding levels, raising concerns about a possible government shutdown.
Congress must pass a FY26 budget or a CR by September 30 to avoid a shutdown on October 1.
Read the House Appropriations Committee’s proposed CR here.
Thanks to your advocacy this summer, both chambers rejected the Administration’s proposal to eliminate the cultural agencies. Instead, Congress proposed continued funding, though at different levels: the House at $135 million for the NEA and the Senate at $207 million. In most cases, a CR would continue to fund the NEA at level amounts until a new FY26 budget is passed.
Rep. Kamlager-Dover Introduces Arts Education Bill
On September 16, during National Arts Education Week, Rep. Kamlager-Dover (D-CA) reintroduced the Equitable Arts Education Enhancement Act, which expands access to arts education by providing dedicated funding for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
FY26 State Arts Agency Legislative Appropriations Preview
Chorus America’s coalition partner, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), has released its FY26 legislative funding preview. Most state arts agency budgets were approved before August and the baseline appropriations are expected to remain level in FY26. NASAA will provide an updated report later this year.
Read the full NASAA report here.
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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.
