The Arts Education Alliance is pleased to learn that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has finally released the more than $6 billion in federal education funds that were due to schools on July 1.
This release is welcome news, especially as districts had scrambled to finalize program planning for the 2025–2026 school year as funding delays had threatened jobs, vendor contracts, and student services.
We thank the more than 1,300 arts educators and education advocates who participated in our joint advocacy campaign this past week, asking their members of Congress to request the immediate release of these funds. We were also pleased to see bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for these programs that provide vital services to more than 95,000 schools, nearly 55 million K–12 students, and 1.2 million adult learners across the nation.
While it is a relief that schools will not be forced to make tough decisions about staffing, programs, and other student supports for the upcoming 2025–26 school year, there is still much work to be done. OMB Director Russ Vought has signaled his intention to send another rescissions package to Congress that includes cuts to education programs, and the House and Senate have punted consideration of the FY 2026 education appropriations bill until September.
We continue to call on Congress to retain and increase funding for programs that can be used for a well-rounded education that includes the arts. Specifically, we request significant funding for Title I, Title II, Title IV-A, the Assistance for Arts Education program, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Please make your voice heard by participating in this campaign today!
