A persuasive advocate should be up to date on the key issues affecting the opera sector.

Read the latest news on advocacy efforts prepared by OPERA America's director of government affairs and civic practice — and check back for regular updates.

Review the key issues affecting opera and the arts with resources and downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Action Group.

Advocacy Updates

Issued May 22, 2026 

House of Representatives FY27 Interior Budget Proposes One-Third Cut to Arts Funding 

Before leaving for the Memorial Day recess, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior approved an FY27 budget proposal that includes a nearly 35% cut for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).  Also, the House Subcommittee’s proposal specifies $72 million of the $153 million “for grants-in-aid to States” which would shift the current formula in which state and region allocation which is calculated to be 40% of the NEA’s grant dollars, which itself is a subset of its total appropriation. In following our coalition partner, NASAA, we continue to support the current formula that sets aside 40% for states and regions. 

These proposals reflect the House’s language from last year; however, due to consistent bipartisan support and a funding process that requires both the House and Senate to reach agreement on all funding levels, both agencies have maintained $207 million appropriation since FY23, avoiding proposals for significant cuts or elimination.

Please reach out to your members to urge support for the NEA at $213 million for FY27 and the agency’s current funding formula that sets aside 40% for states and regions! 

Federal Judge Rules to Restore National Endowment of the Humanities Funding

On May 7, US District Judge Colleen McMahon ruled that the mass termination by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and DOGE of more than 1,400 grants to support scholars, research institutions, and humanities organizations was “unlawful, unconstitutional, ultra vires, and without legal effect.” The ruling declared the actions terminating the grants in April 2025, the largest mass termination of previously awarded grants in the history of the NEH, were “in violation of the First Amendment, in violation of the equal protection component of the Fifth Amendment, and without statutory authority.” The judge also orders the NEH to provide written notice of the opinion and order to "all affected grant recipients whose awards were terminated as part of the Mass Termination.” Read the plaintiffs statements following the ruling here. 

New Task Force through House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform established a new Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses. According to the press release, the Task Force will focus on "defending constitutional rights in the face of institutions that work to abuse and undermine historic pillars of American government and society, including illegal DEI policies, the abuse of immigration and social welfare programs, and efforts by foreign actors and dark money groups to suppress Americans’ free speech.” The Task Force is authorized for six months pursuant to Committee Rules and will hold hearings. 

Issued May 1, 2026

Treasury Announces Form 990 Transparency Initiative

On April 23, the Department of the Treasury announced plans to revise Form 990 to “improve transparency, strengthen tax administration, and provide clearer reporting on certain activities of tax-exempt organizations.” These activities include government grants and contracts, as well as fiscal sponsorships. Treasury and the IRS expect to publish proposed regulations and provide an opportunity for public comment before any reporting changes are finalized. Treasury and the IRS will consider administrative feasibility, proportionality, and reporting burden as the proposal is developed. We will share more details when they become available.

New Resource – FAQs on Artistic Freedom

Launched by the National Coalition Against Censorship, the FAQs and answers are drawn from their Collective Courage Conversation Series, which has addressed issues of the legal landscape of artistic freedom under executive orders and the NEA assurance of compliance; issues of art censorship on college campuses; and more. 

Issued April 24, 2026

IRS CEO Testifies on Investigations into Nonprofits

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bisignano testified before the Senate Finance Committee on April 15, where he faced questions by policymakers about significant staff reductions at the agency, implementation of the major tax bill enacted in 2025, and possible investigations into nonprofits. When questioned by Senator Warnock (D-GA), Bisignano testified that neither the president, vice president, nor any White House staff have asked the IRS to investigate any specific taxpayers or nonprofits, and that if such a request were made, the IRS would report that activity to the committee.

Bisignano confirmed that nonviolent protests and litigation against the Administration are not grounds for IRS investigations. Bisignano previously testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, where he was asked about President’s directive to the IRS to investigate nonprofits accused of domestic terrorism. Bisignano promised lawmakers at the time that the IRS would not initiate audits, investigations, or revocations of tax-exempt status based on political targeting. Update courtesy of National Council of Nonprofits.

New research from NEA: The Great Connector: How Arts Participation Renews Civic and Community Engagement

The National Endowment for the Arts just released a new research report closely examining links between arts participation and broader community engagement. By analyzing statistical data from three nationally representative surveys, the report enlarges public understanding of whether and how taking part in arts events and activities can build social and civic muscle. Key findings include:

•  Arts participants experience a nearly fourfold increase in their likelihood of civic and community engagement, relative to non-arts participants. This difference holds even after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

• Adults who participate in multiple modes of arts activity (e.g., consuming art via attendance, reading, or digital media; creating and performing art; and supporting artists and arts organizations) show the highest levels of civic and community engagement, when compared to adults who do only some of these arts activities, or who do none of them at all.

• Educational attainment is a key factor that drives the relationship between arts participation and positive social behaviors. The strength of the relationship is greatest among adults with at least a bachelor’s degree

• The robust, positive association between arts participation and civic/community engagement is broadly shared across key sociodemographic groups

Across data sources and populations, participating in the arts remains a strong indicator of civic/community engagement and social support. At a time when large proportions of Americans are disengaging from civic and community life, the arts may offer a lifeline to enhance their social connections and improve their perceptions of well-being.

Key Advocacy Issues

Prepare to take action by reviewing the key issues with online resources and downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Advocacy Group