The American Association of Museums is currently preparing its legislative agenda for the 111th Congress, which will begin in January 2009. This agenda will include a range of issues that affect museums, including federal funding, IMLS reauthorization, education policy (including a possible revision of No Child Left Behind), intellectual property, cultural property, travel and tourism, volunteerism and national service, charitable giving, and a range of issues that affect nonprofit organizations.

To develop the package of reforms to be pursued as part of IMLS reauthorization, AAM convened a working group in July 2008 of representatives from across the museum field. This group – which includes representatives from a variety of museum service organizations, state associations, regional associations, and the Federal Formula Funding Grant Coalition – has been meeting regularly to develop an agenda that the entire museum field can work toward. Discussions are ongoing at this time.

AAM Board Statements

Framework for Advancing Federal Funding 
In May 2007 at AAM's Annual Meeting in Chicago the Board approved a resolution outlining its position on increasing federal funding for museums through the reauthorization of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Federal Funding for Museums
In November 2006 the Board issued a statement supporting increased federal funding for museums that also recognized the work of a coalition of service organizations working to advance a proposal for federal formula grants at the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

AAM Conversation on Federal Funding
On March 30, 2007 in Washington, D.C., AAM, with the cooperation and support of the Federal Formula Grant Coalition, hosted a conversation that explored strategies for increasing federal funding for museums. Participants represented a cross section of the state, regional and national organizations serving the field. The AAM board and staff are committed to working with the Coalition and others to ensure we can secure greater resources for the field.

Executive Summary 
From the meeting on March 30, 2007

Reading Materials
From the meeting on March 30, 2007