Advocacy Alert – October 9, 2019

Join Us for Museums Advocacy Day 2020

In this Alliance Advocacy Alert:

• Museums Advocacy Day 2020 Registration Now Open!
• FY 2020 Funding Status Update

Museums Advocacy Day 2020 Registration Now Open!

We are thrilled to share that registration is now open for Museums Advocacy Day 2020. Now going into its 12th year, Museums Advocacy Day is inspiring, energizing, and impactful.

In 2019, hundreds of advocates visited lawmakers in person to assert the value of museums to American society. It’s important that all museums are represented at Museums Advocacy Day 2020. Will you participate and have your voice be heard?

Register Today

Museums Advocacy Day is a unique opportunity to network with peers from your region, hear from federal agency and nonprofit leaders, and build your own professional skills. Get timely, insider information from policy leaders and the tools and information you need to be a successful advocate for museums on Capitol Hill. Whether you are a new or seasoned advocate, you will get the preparation you need to effectively make the case for museums in 2020 – on Capitol Hill, and with your state and local elected officials.

The resources and insights you’ll gain as a participant will help sustain your museum’s future and the future of the field. Don’t miss this invaluable chance to unite with museum colleagues from across the country as one voice to reaffirm our value, collective contributions, and aspirations.

Stay at the Washington Plaza Hotel: The Alliance has secured a block of deeply discounted rooms at the Washington Plaza Hotel. Book your room today to secure your spot at the Museums Advocacy Day hotel and take advantage of the rate while rooms are available.

FY 2020 Funding Status Update

While FY 2020 began on October 1, a short-term funding bill is keeping the federal government running at FY 2019 levels through November 21 to give Congress time to work out a spending deal and avoid a government shutdown. So far, the House has passed 10 of its 12 appropriations bills. The Senate has not passed any of its appropriations bills, although the Senate Appropriations Committee has passed several bills and reported funding levels for some agencies and programs, including for:

• IMLS: The Senate’s draft proposal would increase Office of Museum Services (OMS) at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) by $1 million. The House bill would fund OMS at an historic $8 million increase of $42.7 million. The FY 2019 funding level was $34.7 million. As previously reported, the House and Senate will need to resolve these differences in the coming weeks and we are asking museum advocates to continue to urge your Senators to support the House-passed funding level of $42.7 million.

• NEH & NEA: The Senate Appropriations Committee would provide the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities each with a $2 million increase – whereas the House would provide each with a $12.5 million increase to $167.5 million, the amount museum advocates requested. The FY 2019 funding level was $155 million for each agency. We ask museum advocates to contact your legislators to support the House-passed increase.

For more information, see this FY 2020 Appropriations Chart.

P.S. Congress is in recess through this week. These state and district work periods are opportune times to connect with legislators and invite them into the museum. Use our guide to reach out to your legislators today.