Action Alerts

Washington insiders have been busy at work this week—we felt it was important to inform you of the recent activity.
Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to provide federal funding for the next two weeks of this fiscal year to avoid a government shutdown. The CR will create a $4 billion cut in domestic spending and affect a number of federal education programs. Among the programs selected for cuts is the $40 million Arts in Education (AIE) program. This very important initiative provides funding for the Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination (AEMDD) and Professional Development competitive grants, as well as the VSA and Kennedy Center arts education programs.

Eliminating the Arts in Education program during this fiscal year will jeopardize funding for multi-year projects currently in place around the country. In addition, this action is likely to terminate funding for programs serving students and teachers in the 2011-12 school year and beyond. We need to persuade Congress that the AIE program should be funded in the long-term CR for the 2011 fiscal year. Action on this resolution will be finalized within the next two weeks and affect the funding of federal programs through September.30.

To get involved, contact your senator’s office to let them know that termination of the Arts In Education program affects your community¬¬––and your business. We encourage you to educate your policymakers about the importance of music making and the effect this action will have in your community. Or you can send an e-mail about this issue through this Americans for the Arts link: http://capwiz.com/artsusa/issues/alert/?alertid=13158246
To help support your argument and clearly explain the benefits of music education, visit SupportMusic.com http://www.nammfoundation.org/support-music to access advocacy tools and talking points.

Support Small Business Healthcare Reform
Write to your Members of Congress today and tell them to deliver real and meaningful healthcare reform for small businesses.

Support Music Education in our Schools
Tell your members of Congress that when the No Child Left Behind Act is reauthorized, Congress should provide flexibility in the law for music and arts programs.

Support legislation that requires the same sales tax for Internet purchases as transactions made in stores
Tell your Member of Congress that merchandise purchased via the Internet should be subject to the same sales tax as merchandise sold in stores.

Support Permanent Estate Tax Relief
Write to your Member of Congress and tell him or her to make estate tax relief permanent for NAMM Member-owned businesses.