SupportMusic Coalition Back to School Policy Updates

August 5, 2026

Moderator: Claire Kreger-Boaz, Associate Director of Public Policy, NAMM

Speakers 

• President and CEO John Mlynczak (NAMM) 
• Policy Analyst Daizha Brown (AEP)
• Senior Manager of State Advocacy and Equity Jazzmone Sutton (NAfM)
• Senior Policy Advisor Connie Myers (Nelson Mullins)
• West Music CEO Emerita Robin Walenta (Iowa)
• Butler University Associate Professor of Music Education Brian Weidner (Indiana)
• College Music Society Executive Director Jeff Loeffert (College Music Society), 
• Iowa Alliance for Arts Education Executive Director Leon Kuehner (Iowa) 

This webinar covered the current federal education policy landscape and implications for music education. We opened with an update on FY27 appropriations and recent Congressional activity, followed by an overview of the Department of Education's ongoing restructuring through interagency agreements. We then examined the ESEA "Returning Education to the States" waivers — with an accurate look at what they actually affect, how Indiana differs from other approved-waiver states and what it means for Title IV-A funding on the ground. Advocates from Indiana and Iowa shared what they're seeing in their states. Arts Education Partnership Policy Analyst Daizha Brown presented on the Federal Earnings Accountability Rule and joined College Music Society Executive Director Jeff Loeffert and NAMM CEO John Mlynczak in a discussion about possible implications for music and arts programs in higher education. We closed with action steps and resources for coalition members.