Good afternoon,

ArtsKC has been hard at work this week meeting with several of our region's elected officials about how they can be the most helpful to our sector during these unprecedented times. With discussions including Representatives Cleaver, Davids, and Graves, as well as Senators Moran, Roberts, and Hawley, we have made significant progress discussing the plight of the arts sector, the impact COVID has had, as well as some legislative remedies which could help curb the continued strain on our sector.
This week, Congress passed a stopgap resolution to fund the government through December 18. During the interim time, there are continuing talks to determine whether there will be COVID-19 relief funding attached to any omnibus spending legislation passed before the 18th. Currently, there are multiple options being considered, the most prominent of which is a bipartisan relief framework.

We ask that you join ArtsKC in urging Congress to include five critical measures in their final spending/relief legislation before the end of the year. Because of the timing, your outreach is needed urgently. You can use ArtsKC’s Contact Congress page to find the contact information for our area’s U.S. officials and use our sample language for your social posts, emails, and phone calls.

Tell Congress to...
✅ SUPPORT $20 billion allocated for Save our Stages and Museums
✅ SUPPORT Small business funding like that in H.R. 925 (Heroes Act 2.0)
✅ SUPPORT Direct payments of at least $1,200
✅ SUPPORT Funding increase for the NEA and NEH to $170 million 
✅ SUPPORT Extending Universal Charitable Deduction
I will continue to update you about ongoing legislation that could prove critical to our region's arts community, as well as the actions you can take to advocate on behalf of our sector. As with most legislative endeavors, this is an ever-evolving situation, and ArtsKC will keep our eyes and ears open to any changes or updates. Please email me with any questions or comments.
Stay well,
​​Branden D. S. Haralson
Communications Manager, Engagement & Public Policy
106 Southwest Blvd | Kansas City, MO 64108
C: 417.825.3302 | BHaralson@ArtsKC.org