Policy Alert
Local Update | Join us in January!
You believe that the arts play an integral role in society.
You believe that the arts deserve at seat at the governmental table.
But maybe you're a little shy about saying that to the
legislators who make up the government?

Join us on Friday, January 17, for an informational program about just that—
how to tell your elected officials that you believe in the power of the arts,
and you believe their voice deserves to be heard in legislative matters.

Tickets are free, but registration is required for headcount.  
Event Registration Includes:
A two-part workshop: the importance of lobbying and how to educate your federal, state, and local elected officials. The workshop will be facilitated by Kyna Iman and a local city staffer.

A “Beginning of the Legislative Session” reception with state senators and representatives and other local elected officials. This will provide the opportunity to network and build a relationship with these leaders. TBA performances from local and regional musicians.

A discount code for your ticket to Jefferson City on the ArtsKC bus for Citizens’ Day at the Legislature on Wednesday, February 5.
State Update | Contact Gov. Parson
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has recommended $4.8 million for the Missouri Arts Council during FY2020. ArtsKC, along with the Missouri Arts Council is requesting full funding for MAC from the collection of the Arts &Entertainment tax for FY2021. State statute 143.183 RSMo, states 60% of the funds collected shall be appropriated to the Missouri Arts Council. To date (July 1 - November 30), over $16 million has been collected.

Although MAC funds currently meet only 37% of the requests, grants are provided in 100% of the Senate Districts and in 98% of the House Districts. 
Increasing funding would support current applicants and increase reach throughout Missouri Communities. 

ACTION ITEM
If you want to make your voice heard on this matter, go to www.governor.mo.gov/contact-us and complete the online contact form.
Under subject matter, click on State Budget (Inquiry/Opinion). 
Then you can add your information in the Comment section.

Please email Branden Haralson if you would like a template and talking points.
Federal Update | Major Funding Victories
On Tuesday, December 17, the United States Congress reached an agreement to pass all FY’2020 (Oct 2019-Sept 2020) funding bills and avoid another government shutdown. Specifically, the bills included all of our sector's top arts funding and policy asks to support the arts and arts education across the country.

THIS INCLUDES
  1. Funding increases for all federal cultural agencies, including the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities at $162.5 million each, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and many more.
  2. First-time military funding allocations and policy recommendations for arts therapy to care for veterans, active military and their families.
  3. Arts education funding maintained for documenting replicable model arts education programs across the country.
  4. Justice Department policy recommendations now include arts-based juvenile justice programs among the strategies to be pursued by its Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention.
  5. An unfair nonprofit tax provision was retroactively fixed that had taxed fringe benefits, like transit and parking expenses, of its employees.
 
A detailed  Legislative Update can be found on Americans for the Arts' website.
To learn more about ArtsKC's advocacy initiatives, visit our advocacy page.
Questions? Contact:
Branden Haralson | Communications Manager, Engagement & Public Policy