Government Affairs Update: Written Testimony, IMLS Protection Lawsuits, Performing Artists Tax Parity Act, and More

Chorus America Submits Written Testimony to Congress

On Friday, April 4, Chorus America submitted Written Testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.  The Written Testimony is in support of funding the National Endowment for the Arts in FY26.  The Subcommittee members, listed here, will review and recommend funding for the cultural agencies.  Read Chorus America’s Written Testimony here.

The Fight to Protect the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS)

The American Library Association (ALA) Sues Administration Over IMLS

On April 7, the American Library Association (ALA), the largest library association in the world, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union representing museum and library workers, filed suit against the Administration’s efforts to close the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a non-partisan and independent agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums and libraries. Read the press release here.  Read the court filing here.

20 State Attorney Generals Sue Administration Over IMLS 

On April 4, a coalition of 20 state Attorney Generals filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to halt the closure of several federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The action is in response to Executive Order, Continuing the Reduction of Waste in the Federal Government, which calls for the elimination (as much as possible) of 7 different agencies within the federal government.  Read the court filing here.  Read the press release from NYS AG Letitia James, here.  Read the Executive Order here. 

127 Representatives Urge President Trump to Protect Museums & Libraries

On April 2, 127 Members of the House of Representatives signed a letter to President Trump in support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The letter, spearheaded by Rep. Titus (D-NV), states that “eliminating the IMLS would not only jeopardize … essential services but also dismiss the everyday needs of millions of Americans who rely on libraries and museums for learning, job opportunities, and community engagement” Read the full letter here.

Bi-Partisan Group of Senators Advocate for Museums & Libraries

On March 26, a bi-partisan group of U.S. Senators wrote a letter to the acting director of IMLS advocating in support of the agency and its programs.  The letter is signed by Senators Reed (D-RI), Gillibrand (D-NY), Collins (R-ME), and Murkowski (R-AK). Read the letter here.

On March 31, the entire staff of IMLS was placed on a 90-day leave. 

New Executive Order Aimed at Unfair Ticketing Practices

On March 31, the President posted a new Executive Order, Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Market.  The Executive Order seeks to address ticket scalping and ticket middleman.  The EO states, “by some reports, fans have paid as much as 70 times face value to obtain a ticket.  When this occurs, the artists do not receive any profit.  All profits go solely to the scalper and the ticketing agency.”  Read the full Executive Order here.

Chorus America, as part of the Performing Arts Alliance, is a member of Fix the Tix Coalition, which advocates for transparent and fair ticketing practices in the entertainment industry.

Performing Arts Tax Parity Act – Introduced in Senate

On March 25, the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Mark Warner (D-VA).  Read the Senate press release here. In January, the bill was also reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Judy Chu (D-CA).  Read the House press release here.

“The arts play a vital role in North Carolina’s culture and economy, yet many artists struggle with financial burdens that make it difficult to sustain their careers,” said Senator Tillis (R-NC). “By updating this outdated tax deduction, this commonsense legislation ensures that hardworking artists can deduct necessary expenses, just like other professionals. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to provide long-overdue tax relief to the creative community.” 

As recently as March 18, the Performing Arts Tax Parity Act of 2025 (PATPA) continues to gain co-sponsors from both parties in the House and now will begin that process in the Senate.