WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, sent a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders urging them to provide no less than $36.5 million for the Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) program in Fiscal Year 2025.

"While Senate appropriators provided $36.5 million for AAE arts education funding, the program would receive $0 if the House bill were to become law. This is wrong and would make it virtually impossible for the Education Department to fulfill its obligation to assist school districts carry out AAE award commitments," said Congressman David Scott. "During National Arts and Humanities Month, it is vital for Congress to provide robust funding in order to protect student access to arts education. I strongly believe participation in the arts plays a crucial role in improving academic and social-emotional skills, increasing civic engagement, and decreasing disciplinary infractions. House and Senate appropriators must guarantee an adequate FY25 AAE funding amount consistent with previous bipartisan negotiations."

"The arts are an important part of well-rounded education," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "Arts education helps students stay engaged in school, fosters creativity, inspires confidence, and benefits students regardless of what career they eventually pursue. Unfortunately, many public schools lack sufficient funding to sustain arts curriculum. I'm grateful to join my colleague Rep. Scott in calling on Congress to provide necessary federal funding so all students can experience the enhanced learning provided by arts education."

Since 2015, the federal government has considered the arts, such as music, dance, theater, visual arts, and more, a part of a well-rounded education. Further, all 50 states plus the District of Columbia have adopted elementary and secondary arts education standards. Unfortunately, the number of students with access to arts education has shrunk in recent decades, as only 23 states provide dedicated funding for arts education or have the resources to operate a state-funded school for the arts.

To combat this decline, the Assistance for Arts Education program (AAE), the only dedicated source of federal arts education funding, increases access to arts education for all students, including students with disabilities and those from historically disadvantaged communities, and provides professional development for educators. Under the House Appropriations proposal, AAE would receive $0 in funding. Additionally, the letter urges appropriators to remove harmful language stating that the Department of Education must only provide funding for reading, writing, and math. Congress must pass an FY25 funding bill that protects access to arts education for students by funding AAE and striking this harmful language.

The text of the letter can be found HERE.