AEMI Statement to Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee regarding FY 26 NEA and NEH Funding
June 12, 2025
Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Ranking Member Merkley,
On behalf of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), I urge the Subcommittee to fund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) at no less than $209 million each in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
Many members of DPE’s affiliate unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries earn their living working on NEA and NEH-supported productions and programs. Still more union creative professionals who are employed now in the commercial parts of these industries started their careers working in the nonprofit arts and public media.
Providing no less than $209 million each for the NEA and NEH will ensure that the agencies can continue to support good-paying, family-supporting jobs for middle class Americans across communities in every state. The two agencies are economic drivers that help put people to work creating artistic and educational content, and often in places far from large cultural centers. NEA and NEH-funded programs help veterans heal from the invisible scars of war, inspire the next generation of creators and innovators, and unite people across small towns and big cities. Increasing the NEA and NEH annual funding level to no less than $209 million in FY 2026 is also an important step toward a historical full funding level of $341 million, or $1 per capita.
NEA and NEH funding is also good for local economies. Research shows that audiences spend an estimated $38.46 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission, on goods and services within the communities where they attend arts and cultural programs.
In addition, for many Americans, NEA and NEH-funded programs are an entry point to careers in commercial arts and entertainment, particularly people living in rural areas. NEA and NEH-funded programs provide these individuals opportunities to develop valuable skills, gain on-the-job experience, and build professional connections.
Put simply, the NEA and NEH continue to be critical agencies for America’s workers and its local economies. Both endowments deliver a high return on investment and cannot be replaced by the private sector. I urge the Subcommittee to fund the NEA and NEH at no less than $209 million each.
If you have any questions, please contact me or DPE Assistant to the President/Legislative Director, Michael Wasser, at mwasser@dpeaflcio.org.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Dorning, President