Good News! Arts Agencies & Library Services Get Federal Funding

The U.S. federal budget for fiscal year 2019 shows a slightly higher funding for agencies that support the literary and arts community after Congress rejected the Trump administration’s proposal to phase out those organizations. Under the 2019 budget approved in February, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) will see a $3 million increase in their funding, and $9 million more for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

“Congress has reiterated its commitment to preserving these vital cultural institutions,” said the Authors Guild, which actively lobbied for continued support of those agencies. However, the guild cautioned that it doesn’t mean the literary and arts community can sit back and relax. “The threat to funding the arts and humanities will likely keep reappearing each year of this administration,” said the guild.

The Trump administration had proposed to defund the NEA, NEH, and IMLS, as well as eliminate a substantial amount dedicated to America’s libraries through the Library Services and Technology Act. A similar proposal was also made for FY2018, but the U.S. House of Representatives rejected it.

The American Library Association (ALA) is urging everyone to continue to support and help protect library funding. Learn how you can show your support. Visit the ALA’s Fund Libraries website.

Read a related story on the Authors Guild website:

NEA and NEH Receive Increased Funding Under New Budget

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Private Sector Forms Group to Advocate for Public Libraries in the Face of Budget Cuts