President Trump released his 2018 budget proposal today that is harmful for musicians and all working people. Among the many cuts in the president’s budget is the complete elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

“I have said it before and I’ll say it again, eliminating the NEA is outrageous and unacceptable,” said AFM President Ray Hair. “There are orchestras, festivals and theaters in all 50 states that would be permanently damaged without NEA support. It is time for Congress to step up and do the right thing—safeguard the NEA by fully funding this priceless institution.”

Among the 61 other government programs/agencies slated for elimination along with the NEA are the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services along with selected State Department cultural programs.

There are also devastating reductions in job training, education, and health programs in the White House budget. Make your voice heard by sending message urging your member of Congress to resist President Trump’s budget and save the NEA.