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The More You Know:

What Are One-House Bills?
Each year, the NY State Senate and Assembly release their own versions of the state budget, called “one-house bills.” These are not final but act as formal wish lists and negotiating tools during talks with the Governor.
They reflect the funding priorities of each chamber and are critical in shaping the final state budget.

Updated May 27, 2025

NYS ARTS EDUCATION BILL : FINAL PUSH!

Long Island Co-Sponsors as of 5/27/25: 14/22

Schiavoni (1), DeStefano (3), Kassay (4), Ramos (6), Gandolfo (7), Durso (9), Stern (10), O'Pharrow (11), Brown (12), McDonough (14), Norber (16), Mikulin (17), Ra (19), Griffen (21) 

Ask Your Assembly Member to Co-Sponsor A6490 (Codification of Arts Education in State Law)
A6490 is a bill that would guarantee access to arts education in every public school in New York State. While many schools offer strong programs, the current laws are inconsistent, and enforcement is uneven.

New York remains one of the few states that does not require arts instruction as part of the K–12 curriculum. That means too many students—especially in under-resourced districts—are missing out on the academic, social, and emotional benefits that come with a strong arts education.

This bill would change that, ensuring consistent, certified instruction in the arts across all public schools.

Here’s how to help:

If your representative is already a co-sponsor, ask them to contact Assembly Member Benedetto and urge that the bill be scheduled for a hearing. This step is essential to moving it through the legislative process.

UPDATES ON NYS BUDGET

State: NYS Budget Update

NYSCA in the Budget at $172M (a 1.7% cut from FY25 budget) including over $161 million directly to the field for FY2026.

Here's how it breaks out:

    • $84M in Aid to Localities (-5.6% from FY25)
    • $80M in Capital (no change from FY25), and
    • $7.98M in State Operations (+34% from FY25)

While it falls short of the $208 million we collectively advocated for, it’s a hard-fought victory in a year marked by economic caution. And it’s a clear signal: our voices are being heard.

NYSCA FY2026 GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN RELEASED

National Boost for the Humanities: Mellon Foundation Steps Up

The Mellon Foundation has announced a $15 million emergency investment to support America’s humanities councils in the face of federal funding cuts. Of that, $2.8 million will be distributed as challenge grants—up to $50,000 per council—to spark local giving and double the impact of individual and institutional support.

This is a strong signal that the private sector can and must step in to support the public good—especially when public funding falls short. We hope this inspires similar models right here on Long Island, with philanthropic investment that lifts up not just one organization, but the full ecosystem of arts and humanities across our communities.

READ MORE>>

TAKE ACTION: REPORT YOUR FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS

Report Federal Funding Cuts to Help Secure $208M for NYSCA

Senator José Serrano is gathering data on federal funding losses to strengthen the push for full NYSCA funding. If your organization has lost federal dollars in recent years, your story matters.

Email serrano@nysenate.gov or call 518-426-6886 with the following:

  • The amount of federal funding lost
  • The year(s) affected
  • The name of the federal program or agency
  • How the loss impacted your programming or services

Then forward the same information to your local elected officials. Let them know how vital state support is to your work.

TAKE ACTION: NY STATE SENATE MOVES ARTS EDUCATION BILL FORWARD

4/8/2025 - New York State: S6318 Moves Forward in Albany

Senate Bill S6318—which would mandate arts and music education in New York public schools—was unanimously approved by the New York State Senate Education Committee and now heads to the full Senate for a vote.

New York remains one of the few states that does not require arts instruction as part of the K–12 curriculum. That means too many students—especially in under-resourced districts—are missing out on the academic, social, and emotional benefits that come with a strong arts education.

This bill would change that, ensuring consistent, certified instruction in the arts across all public schools.

Now it's your turn! Contact your local legislators asking for support on these Bills (S6318 & A6490)

► Contact Your Local Legislators (via National Association for Music Education)

► Read bill text for S6318 and A6490 and track progress

April 7, 2025

INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES UPDATE

4/4/2025 - A lawsuit was filed by 21 State Attorneys General to stop President Trump's Executive Order #14238 from dismantling 3 federal agencies that provide services and funding for museums and public libraries, mediation services, and minority business development. Specifically, the Institute of Museum and Library Services was forced to place 85% of its staff on administrative leave and cancel all open grants on 3/31/25. This lawsuit is led by the Attorneys General of New York, Hawaii, and Rhode Island and are joined by Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington state, and Wisconsin.

The lawsuit argues that the executive order violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by eliminating the programs of agencies without any regard for the laws and regulations that govern each source of federal funding. The coalition argues that the President cannot decide unilaterally to override laws governing federal spending, and that this executive order unconstitutionally overrides Congress’ power to decide how federal funds are spent.

► Read more about this update.
► Read the IMLS reduction of staff memorandum.

 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS UPDATE

4/3/2025 - The U.S. District Court in Rhode Island denied a motion for preliminary injunctive relief to arts organizations applying for National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding, despite the possibility of President Trump's Executive Order #14168 certification being reimposed. However, the court held that any NEA decision to make projects that promote "gender ideology” ineligible for funds is "likely" a violation of the First Amendment and outside its statutory authority.

► Read the ACLU press release.
► Read the judge's ruling. 
​​

 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES UPDATE

4/4/2025 - The Trump administration made drastic cuts at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), by placing 80% of its staff on indefinite administrative leave and cancelling all open grants issued under the Biden administration. These extreme cuts were made by DOGE, part of Elon Musk’s government restructuring effort. The move has drawn strong criticism from humanities advocates, who warn that it could devastate state humanities councils and cultural institutions that rely on NEH funding.

► Read the full statement from the National Humanities Alliance.
► Take Action with the National Humanities Alliance.

 

THREATS TO NONPROFIT CHARITIES CONDUCTING DEI PROGRAMS

4/1/2025 - The conservative American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) formally filed complaints with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to open investigations regarding  three prominent tax-exempt charitable organizations—the Gates Foundation, Lagrant Foundation, and Creative Capital Foundation—​​​​​"intentionally discriminating against white people." The complaints request the IRS revoke their tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable status.

► Read more about this update.
► Read the referral complaints to the IRS.

April 3, 2025

Take Action on Federal Issues!

The arts, humanities, museums, and libraries are facing critical moments at the federal level—and your voice can make a difference. Here’s how you can get involved right now with trusted national partners:

March 2025

Local Arts Education: Support Arts and Music Education in New York Schools

Two important bills are currently under consideration in the New York State Legislature, aiming to codify arts and music education in public schools:​

  1. Assembly Bill A6490
    • Summary: This bill proposes adding arts and music education as essential components of the public school curriculum, ensuring a more well-rounded education for children.
    • Link: Assembly Bill A6490
  2. Senate Bill S6318
    • Summary: This bill requires the incorporation of arts and music education into the curricula for all public school students. It mandates that school districts ensure appropriately certified teachers provide such education and authorizes the establishment of related rules and regulations. ​
    • Link: Senate Bill S6318

Take Action:

To support these initiatives, please contact your local legislators and encourage them to back these bills.

Find Your Local Representatives:

 

Template Email to Send:

Subject: Support for A6490/S6318 – Enhancing Arts and Music Education in Public Schools

Dear [Legislator's Name],

I am writing to express my strong support for Assembly Bill A6490 and Senate Bill S6318, which aim to incorporate arts and music education into the public school curriculum. These subjects are vital for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness among students.

I urge you to support these bills to ensure that all students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

State: Write the Governor & Legislators to Fund NYSCA at $208M

From ArtsNYS

Thanks to your advocacy, the NYS Senate and Assembly have both included $208 million for the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) in their one-house budgets!

However, there is still more work to be done in the final days of budget negotiations.

We must urge state lawmakers and Governor Hochul to ensure this critical funding remains intact in the final enacted budget for FY2026 due to the People on April 1.

 

 

ACT NOW - SIGN ON LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR

Federal: Support the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

The American Alliance of Museums has launched a national campaign urging supporters to advocate for the continued funding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) — a critical federal agency that supports museums and libraries nationwide.

Proposed federal budget cuts would jeopardize essential programs that serve diverse communities, preserve collections, and drive local economies.

 Learn more and take action through AAM’s campaign portal:
Ask Your Museum’s Supporters to Save IMLS